Hi Craig,
Good of you to join us, welcome!
I don't know that people who are "normal" really exist except in stats to be honest, but let's assume that whatever most of the population have as mental health (or ill-health) is "normal" for the sake of the discussion. I would say they are not necessarily more productive per se, just productive of what society seems to value in economic terms.
So as an example; I tend to produce soup, poetry and prayers for people in need of them - whichever they need - or sometimes even all three. I listen to them talk about what is hurting in their lives. I hear what they see is broken and wrong, and it hurts to tell and to hear. But I listen, and they know someone cares enough to hear. It is a small gift of friendship. I try to hear the things they are doing right, their strength in the midst of what they see only as weakness, and I hold up a mirror and show them what I see. If I was being productive I wouldn't have time to listen because I'd be too busy (and I'd also be too sick myself). So I value this different sort of production that comes from nurturing myself and others who are hurting.
I don't try to live on the 0 mood scale - I'm not looking to live on a plateau - but I don't like being on a rollercoaster either, which is what I get when I'm really unwell. So I work for balance and quiet amongst the messiness of everyday life - which has its joys and its pains. It holds a place I can and do grow.
Kind regards,
Kristin
