abnormality

• Although she has ever considered suicide, Jessica has found herself increasingly dissatisfied with her life. She's been having frequent thoughts of wishing she was dead. She gets frustrated with herself because she feels like she has every reason to be happy, yet she can't seem to shake the sense of doom and gloom that leads each day
• Jessica's husband has noticed changes as well. She shows less interest in sex and has had difficulties falling asleep at night, keeping him awake for an hour or two after they go to bed. He's overheard her having frequent fearful phone conversations with her closest friend, which has worried him. When he tries to get her to open up about what's bothering her, she pushes him away with an abrupt "everything's fine"
• Failure to function adequately


  When a person is unable to cope with day-to-day living and their mental health does not meet a set of criteria for normal functioning
• Signs of failure to function adequately

  • Lack of social contact and respecting personal space
  • Experiencing severe distress
  • Behaviour becoming irrational or dangerous to themselves or others
• Deviation from ideal mental health

  Ignoring what makes someone abnormal and instead thinking about what makes anyone psychologically healthy
• Characteristics of ideal mental health

  • No symptoms or distress
  • Rational and can perceive themselves accurately
  • Self-actualise and strive to reach potential
  • Can cope with stress
  • Have a realistic view of the world
  • Have good self-esteem and lack guilt
  • Independent of other people
  • Can successfully work, love and enjoy leisure
• Paraphilias are unusual sexual interests or behaviours that are considered abnormal
• Pandile is a well-qualified software analyst who has an alternative lifestyle. He has long hair and dresses in a way that is considered unconventional by his current workplace. Apart from this, he is generally happy and functioning well