A discussion was held under the title "How to stay normal today?"

At the Faculty of Philosophy of the University of Zenica, organized by the Union of Students and the Department of General Cultural Studies, a round table was held on the topic "How to stay normal today". The round table was attended by neuropsychiatrists Halima Hadžikapetanović, Belma Sadibašić, neuropsychiatrist Edin Bjelošević, professors Spahija Kozlić, Esad Delibašić, moderated by professor Damir Kukić.

To the question how to observe what is normal and what is deviant, we received different answers from the point of view of psychiatry, philosophy, sociology.

According to neuropsychiatrist Hadžikapetanović, there is no definition of normality. For today's people, "abnormal is what is rare." However, this should not be a guide, but each of us should follow our dream and realize that getting out of the safety zone means everything. Experience is the best teacher!

Belma Sadibašić answers the same question that it is difficult to remain normal since everything is questionable and that man is constantly exposed to the pressure of the environment that surrounds him, and what causes us the most worry and stress are basic existential questions. Questions about work, the future, what will happen.

"To know what is abnormal, we need to know what is normal", the words of Edin Bjelošević. It is difficult to define normal. Who is to say what is normal and what is abnormal? Through historical context things change. So there is nothing that is permanent. Normal is what we think is normal, but it generally has to agree with laws, norms and ultimately our morals.

Professor Kozlić talks about common sense from a philosophical point of view. Using the words of respected professor Željko Škuljević, "There is nothing sicker than common sense," he begins his further presentation in an unusual way. Normal is everything that is socially desirable, i.e. which is socially imposed. The task of philosophy is to corrupt the youth in a Socratic manner. Socrates raised his voice against what is considered normal. Life is given to man, not given. Life is a possibility. The goal of each of us should be to live authentically. Most people in today's world in which it exists are conformists. Ruling ideologies determine what is normal, and the task of philosophy is to make man live and question.

Professor Delibasic observes today's reality from a sociological perspective. Society is normal as long as it follows the rules. Bosnia and Herzegovina, like all other societies, is subject to changes in values and norms. What was desirable to drink thirty years ago is not today. Therefore, norms are relative. Social norms allow movement.

Can deviant be normal?

"We should look at a person with all that he is. There are no labels. Sometimes a person just needs to be explained that the situation he is in is completely normal, that reactions of fear, rapid heartbeat, crying are completely normal reactions of post-traumatic experiences and that they need to be processed. We are all individuals and that's how we have to build ourselves," the words of neuropsychiatrist Hadžikapetanović.

Neuropsychiatrist Sadibašić continued in the same spirit. She also added that one of the basic problems facing our society is the lack of communication. "People should be explained that it is normal to be under stress, to experience panic attacks. A man should not be afraid that he is crazy if any of these things happen to him. We have a lot of prejudices against mentally disturbed people. However, we should not be prejudiced towards people, but be empathetic!" 

"People are afraid of going crazy. And it's better to be a little crazy than a little smart" Mr. Bjelošević continued his presentation in a humorous way. It was emphasized again that we must look at man with all his needs. Our perception creates a good or bad feeling. 

"Keep your dreams and don't let them occupy your hopes." they are the words of Professor Kozlić. Listening is the basis of dialogue. A person constantly has a conversation with himself, he just needs to share that conversation with others, that's how character is born. Nature constitutes social relations. What is outside is the result of what is inside. The world is not a pyramid to position something, higher or lower. The world is placed horizontally, and in this way a wealth of horizons, different views of the world is created.