I've had a few students that informally discussed sanity issues with me and I told them I think the goal isn't sanity (as in normal), but rather functionality (as in, can you live an OK life). Obviously, being suicidal, unable to get out of bed in the morning (serious depression), or so out of touch with the "real" world (i.e., if you hear voices and can't shut them up)... such things lead to a life that is distressing, not fun, and not productive. However, lots of people experience stuff that modern psychiatry sees as problems that aren't necessarily problems if their lives still function well. I've known mediums, for example, and they see and hear stuff the rest of the world doesn't, but so long as they can process it OK and turn it off when they wish, I wouldn't say it's problematic.
Maybe I'm a bit skeptical of psychiatry, though I respect it (just haven't had the best experiences myself). The handful of therapists I've been to in life didn't have much to offer except (A) to talk indefinitely about my feelings (which, while nice, I could do with friends and family just the same) or (B) drugs. LOL Maybe it's an American thing, but it seems they want to prescribe medication for everything and anything. Sad? Take a pill. Stressed out? Pill. Angry? Pill. No thanks. I like being emotional and passionate, even if it does come with its down times.
Anyhoo, didn't have much to add for the online sources; I didn't even know they had this. But suffice it to say that I found more help in meditation, wild places, and horseback riding, than in psychiatry. My best course of action for any time I'm out of whack mentally is to go sit in the woods or ride my horse. Or sometimes, some really nice loud LOUD music.
