The neurotic word became very popular and lost some of its original meaning in the process. Although it was used in psychiatry and psychology more than a century ago, it actually took shape in Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalysis.
In general, anyone who screams a lot or is very conflicted is called neurotic, in reality this is not correct. Although neurosis was mentioned in the 18th century when there was an instability of emotions, the meaning that the word then adopted is quite different.
- In Freud’s terms.
- Almost all are neurotic.
- Although the intensity of this condition varies.
- From this perspective.
- Every human being develops a margin of neurosis; by entering culture and being part of a society that renounces personal desires.
- We create tensions.
“The inability to tolerate ambiguity is the root of all neuroses. ” Sigmund Freud?
For Freud, someone is neurotic when he needs to suppress his basic impulses, according to cultural demands, but against his own will, that is, he represses because he has no choice, but ultimately does not abandon those basic impulses.
When you repress, a tension is created: you want it, but you can’t; in Freudian terms, there is a struggle between the superme that determines duties and that which represents the most basic desires. individual continually in a state of discomfort.
Tension occurs unconsciously, so that the neurotic simply feels that nothing satisfies it, that conflicts and unresolved doubts predominate, in this way he expends a lot of energy to resist reality, but at the same time cannot organize a way to actively change it. , except for this resistance without precise direction.
The neurotic has increased anxiety in almost everything it does. Their agitation and discomfort go beyond daily stress, but they resemble this stress. The difference is that when there is neurosis, this stress persists, although there is no need to feel it.
The neurotic is not always noisy or identified by its strong character, in fact most of the time they are quiet and taciturn and only explode in the end, however, they remain in conflict with themselves and with the world. is this inner tension that doesn’t dissipate.
Intense neurosis is more common among those living in large cities, including those living in poverty or who have been abused, abandoned or abandoned, it is very difficult for the neurotic to be spontaneous and laugh: it is difficult for him to relax. .
As we have already pointed out, one way or another, almost all of us have traces of neurosis, because one way or another is the price to pay for being part of a culture and a society; however, in the mature person, the resignation. Fundamental desires are the result of rationality and not just repression.
Now there is a basic test to evaluate our degree of neurosis, the key questions are:
If you answered yes to four questions, you have neurotic traits; answered yes to four to eight questions, probably behaved neurotically. If you answered yes to more than eight questions, you are probably facing a major challenge that requires the help of an expert.