Portrait of a Psychologically Healthy Person

What does it mean to be a psychologically healthy person? Let’s use Maslow’s definition as a foundation: a self-actualized person is open to everything new. Their behavior is natural and spontaneous, simple and expressive. This person is always striving forward, moving closer to fully realizing their potential. They know how to control their emotions, yet can be calm, sincere, cheerful, and active. They treat others with respect, patience, and tact.

Signs of a Psychologically Healthy Person

• Clear and Adequate Perception of Reality: A healthy person sees the world as full of opportunities for growth. They notice new and interesting things in everyday life, are always ready to learn and grow, can sense dishonesty, and are able to identify problems and find solutions.
• Acceptance of Self and the World: A self-actualized individual accepts themselves and the world as they are, makes peace with their flaws and imperfections, doesn’t dramatize failures, and doesn’t dwell on regrets or self-blame. They don’t try to be someone else or seek attention—they are authentic and in harmony with themselves.
• Natural and Spontaneous Behavior: Their actions are genuine, simple, and spontaneous. They recognize the conventions of the world around them but accept them calmly to avoid offending others. If something bothers or upsets them, they express their position and anger honestly and sincerely. They have their own opinions and are always looking to develop their abilities.
• Focus on Self-Development: With basic needs met and many problems resolved, their main goal is to develop themselves and their work, to which they are fully dedicated. They also have the time and opportunity for reflection, contemplation, and philosophy.
• Self-Sufficiency: A self-actualized person is independent and does not rely on others for friendship or communication. They are comfortable with solitude and see it as a valuable time for growth and development. They are not influenced by others’ opinions and follow their own path, managing their emotions and taking responsibility for their decisions and actions.
• Independence from External Validation: While the average person needs others for confidence and love, the self-actualized person can exist without them. They don’t need praise or encouragement and feel whole, engaged in their true calling.
• Ability to Find Joy: A constantly developing person has the wonderful ability to find joy in small things, events, and people, to see the extraordinary in the ordinary, and to never tire of being amazed and enjoying life.
• Profound Relationships: All relationships with others are deep and meaningful, with subtle feelings and experiences. Their circle of close friends is small, as their standards are high. If people around them stop growing, there’s little left to discuss.
• Democratic Attitude: They interact equally with people of all backgrounds, genders, education levels, and beliefs. They don’t see these differences and are eager to learn from others. This is a sign of their democratic nature.
• Clear Moral Compass: They clearly distinguish good from bad, means from ends, and find satisfaction in both the process and the result. They strive not to harm anyone and only say what they truly believe or can do.
• Unique Sense of Humor: Their humor often pokes fun at human egotism and pretentiousness. They don’t joke often, but when they do, their humor has depth, meaning, and subtext.
• Originality and Creativity: They think creatively, are capable of creating works of art, and enjoy being inventive.
• Resistance to Mass Culture: They don’t rebel, but treat all traditions with respect, preferring to stay true to themselves. They don’t fight the world’s imperfections but try to make it better through good deeds. They exist independently, outside of culture, yet belong to the whole world.
• Love as Self-Expression: For a self-actualized person, love is another way to express themselves. They are open and sincere in love, unafraid to love deeply and give themselves to their feelings, as they can clearly distinguish between love and mere affection.

If you recognize at least a couple of these traits in yourself, you’re on the right track and have little reason for serious concern. The most important thing is to keep moving forward, never stop improving, learning, and developing yourself. If you don’t see any of these traits, it may be helpful to seek guidance from a professional who can help you on your journey of self-discovery.