5. Hypernormalisation

Ever feel something is not quite right? Or perhaps you feel something is wrong but nobody else notices?
You’re right. It’s not you.

Hypernormalisation is the idea that something is going on while everyone around you is either unaware or ignoring it. The classic example is the Soviet Union where everyone knew the system was failing but nobody could admit it or imagine an alternative. In the UK for example it might be the NHS. But no politician will fully admit it. The running down of institutions as a precursor to privatisation. Without recognising the running down.

Watch the Adam Curtis Documentary Hypernormalisation here

It is not surprising that Hypernormalisation appears in societies: as it also works within humans. We want to think that all is well & normal. We are doing ok. We are coping. We want to be so ok.  We will go to extraordinary inner lengths to deny, distract, defend ourselves against an unpleasant truth, characteristic, or simply something we have said, not done so well.

When people come in – they want reassurance that all is well. Though we both feel the latent feeling: that we are struggling to understand or process what has happened. It is not going so well. We are holding both perspectives, yet the latent is dangerous & painful.
We need someone to accompany us through.

Copyright Adrian Scott North London Counsellor Blog 2025
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