This post was developed via a partnership with BetterHelp.
If you’ve ever seen a Woody Allen movie or watched an episode of Seinfeld or Friends, you’re likely familiar with the idea of neuroticism. Identified loosely as a trait that focuses on negativity and overwhelm, neuroticism is not uncommon in the world today, as has been linked to countless issues. Whether your neuroticism focuses on parenting matters, or is primarily centered around health and wellness, increasing bodies of evidence suggest that there may actually be some benefits to feeling the negativity and fear associated with neuroticism.
Neuroticism: An Introduction
Neuroticism has frequently been portrayed in the media, from people with a singular focus on cleaning and rigid adherence to patterns to those with a heavy focus on illness and impending doom. Although these portrayals are amusing and certainly lend some truth to the reality of life as someone with a neurotic personality, they do not capture the many nuances present in neuroticism.
Neuroticism is identified as a trait or personality type that tends to focus on consequences, potentially negative outcomes, and generally negative effects. Neurotic people are frequently identified as highly anxious individuals, with pessimistic views of themselves and the world. They may also be highly successful individuals with fulfilling relationships and plenty of experienced joy. Neurotic individuals do not look identical, and there may be varying degrees of neuroticism severity and the manner in which it impacts your life.
Common Misconceptions
Although there are plenty of co-morbidities associated with neuroticism, neuroticism itself is not a disorder or recognized condition. Instead, neuroticism is considered a personality trait, or a system of thoughts and behaviors. Someone cannot be diagnosed as neurotic, though they may personally identify as neurotic or experience a great deal of comments and suggestions from well-meaning family and friends.
Neurotic people are often associated with bespectacled individuals who are uptight or high-strung and incapable of change or adaptation. Neither of these characterizations are accurate, however, as neurotic people can also experience ease with change and transitions, and may not boast a particularly advanced academic mind.
Unexpected Benefits of Neuroticism
While most consider neuroticism to be a liability, there are actually some unexpected benefits of having a neurotic personality. These benefits range from personal health benefits to social health benefits. To be clear: not all neurotic individuals will experience all of these traits. Instead, these benefits can come and go, or may only be true of some people with neurotic personality traits.
1) A Sense of Empathy
People with neurotic personalities may be able to more closely understand other personalities with similar traits—personalities that may frequently feel misunderstood, isolated, and alienated. Learn more about neuroticism and its effects here.
2) Increased Use of Healthcare
The very thing that has often led some neurotic individuals to experience teasing and bullying may actually prove beneficial to living a long life. Neurotic people may be more likely to utilize healthcare services when seemingly minor or unrelated symptoms arise, which may lead to improved healthcare and correspondingly improved outcomes. The greater likelihood to utilize healthcare can also translate to engaging in healthier lifestyle habits. These include healthy eating, consistent exercising, and regular monitoring of any incoming symptoms or maladies. While it may be a source of teasing in some environments, a neurotic person’s predilection for fear can prove protective.
3) Increased Sense of Foresight
People with neuroses may have an exaggerated sense of foresight, which can aid in more effective and thorough planning. Although planning on its own is not enough to yield solid results—follow through is also necessary—people with neurotic personalities may possess an exaggerated sense of foresight, which allows them to make carefully weighed and well-thought-out decisions, rather than relying on impulse or wild supposition.
4) Increased Social Adherence
In response to the anxieties experienced by people with neurotic personalities, these individuals may have an increased or improved adherence to social expectations or mores. In recent months, that also translated to improved health as a result of greater adherence to social urgings, such as social distancing, mask wearing, and self-isolating. People with neuroticism may more closely follow social scripts and expectations, which can improve interpersonal harmony.
While neuroticism itself is not typically seen as a positive trait, there are aspects of neurotic behavior and personality types that can prove beneficial to individuals and those around them.