There’s No Such Thing As Normal: Why Words Like “Crazy” Do More Harm Than Good.

Ever been called “weird” and felt that odd sting behind it?

In a world obsessed with fitting in, “normal” becomes the invisible line we’re all expected to

walk. But here’s the truth: normal is a myth. Whether it’s casually calling someone “crazy” or

dismissing unique traits as “too much,” our language can either build connection—or reinforce

judgment and stigma.

At PRX Wellness, we believe that healing starts with how we think and speak about mental

health. Understanding, not labeling, is the foundation of wellness.

The Weight of a Word: “Crazy” Isn’t Harmless

The word “crazy” might sound like harmless slang. But clinical studies suggest otherwise.

Research from JAMA Psychiatry shows that casual use of stigmatizing language increases

negative bias toward people with mental health conditions—even when used jokingly (Rüsch

et al., 2014). These words reinforce stereotypes, reduce empathy, and contribute to real-world

consequences like discrimination and delayed treatment (Pescosolido et al., 2021).

The deeper problem? Most people misuse these words out of ignorance, not malice—but the

impact is the same.

“Weirdness” Often Looks Like Excellence

Much of this stigma stems from the assumption that being different means something is wrong.

But what if we flipped that idea on its head? Think about Olympic athletes. These individuals display levels of physical ability, focus, and dedication that are far beyond the average. In many ways, they are neurologically and physically “abnormal.” Their brains process pain, pressure, and precision in unique ways. But instead of pathologizing their differences, we celebrate them. Their “weirdness” becomes inspiration. This same principle should apply to mental and emotional diversity. Whether someone has high sensitivity, deep emotional range, intense focus, or unconventional thought patterns—those differences may come with challenges, but they can also be sources of strength and transformation.

History Proves It: Different Minds Drive Progress

Consider George Washington Carver, the legendary scientist and agricultural pioneer. Carver

was often considered “odd” by his peers, choosing solitude, introspection, and a connection with nature over social norms. Yet, his so-called weirdness led to over 100 groundbreaking uses for the peanut—including my personal favorite, peanut butter. Whether it's an Olympic athlete or an unconventional inventor, divergence often leads to discovery.

Mental Health ≠ Conformity

Modern neuroscience supports what many of us feel intuitively: the human brain exists on a

broad spectrum of structure and function. A landmark study in Nature Mental Health (Xu et

al., 2023) examined thousands of brain scans and found significant variations in attention,

cognition, and emotion—even among neurotypical individuals.

Although there is something to be said about when thought and mental health concerns

cause disruption in work and everyday life, this article was written in the hopes that it

would remind you that you're not broken just because you're different.

In fact, difference is not a defect—it’s an essential part of human adaptation and creativity.

The Cycle of Misuse and Stigma

When people throw around words like “crazy,” “psycho,” or even “OCD” without understanding

their meaning, it trivializes real conditions. This fuels misunderstanding, which turns into

stigma—and stigma leads to isolation, shame, and delayed care. According to The Lancet Psychiatry (Henderson et al., 2016), these misconceptions directly contribute to people avoiding or delaying help for treatable conditions. Breaking this cycle requires a shift—not just in what we say, but in how we think.

Practical Tools: Redefining What’s “Normal”

Want to start creating a more inclusive, empowered mindset? Here’s how:

1. Replace Harmful Labels

Instead of “crazy,” try words like “overwhelmed,” “stressed,” “processing a lot,” or “thinking

differently.” These terms are more accurate and affirming.

2. Celebrate Neurodiversity

Whether it’s ADHD, autism, OCD, or mood variability, these are not moral or character flaws.

They're legitimate variations in brain structure and function—each with their own strengths.

3. Model Correct Language

When you hear others misuse mental health terms, gently correct them:

“Actually, OCD is a clinical condition—it’s more than just liking things neat.”

This helps break the stigma, one conversation at a time.

4. Know Your Role

You may feel obligated to explain your uniqueness, but you’re not responsible for what others

do or don’t understand. Your job is to own your truth—not make it palatable.

5. Partner with Forward-Thinking Providers

At PRX Wellness, we support mental health from a strengths-based, personalized approach.

Whether you’re seeking clarity, managing stress, or optimizing performance, our evidence-based tools are designed to honor your individuality, not override it.

Final Thoughts: “Weird” Might Be Wonderful

The next time someone calls you “too sensitive,” “too much,” or “crazy,” remember:

Olympic athletes are “abnormal,” too. So are inventors, creatives, leaders, and change-makers.

There is no such thing as normal. Only people with different strengths, stories, and challenges—each worthy of compassion and celebration.

You’re not broken. You’re brilliantly human.