Bets warned vs mental disorders

A psychiatrist warned yesterday that politicians are in danger of developing mental and physical problems due to the stress of the campaign trail.

Dr. Edgardo Juan Tolentino of the Makati Medical Center advised candidates that they need to "bend like the bamboo," seek pockets of rest and have close-in confidants to help them get through the remaining two weeks of the campaign period.

"It’s the minor annoyances that cause greater stress on us," he said. "Stress can affect anyone."

Tolentino explained that since the lives of politicians on the campaign trail are on "fast forward" mode, they can suffer physically, emotionally and mentally.

He explained that even if people are "normal" at the start of the day, the stresses of the day’s events can wear a person’s resources down. Unless coping mechanisms can bring a person back to state of normalcy, the person goes into "distress."

The range of problems varies for each distressed person — some can develop migraines or ulcers, while others become anxious or depressed. A few may develop more severe mental problems such as psychosis, a condition characterized by loss of contact with reality.

Tolentino pointed out that Koalisyon ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino standard-bearer Fernando Poe Jr. is a "closeted extrovert," an introvert who tries to pass himself off as exactly the opposite. He said Poe may find it highly stressful to be with a crowd, be approached by strangers, or go on stage.

"Hence the incident with (GMA-7 reporter) Sandra (Aguinaldo)," Tolentino said.

As for President Arroyo, who bears a reputation for being "mataray (hot-tempered)," Tolentino said after a few incidents during the start of the campaign period, she has since reined in her temper and pasted a smile on her face.

"Could you just imagine her ulcers?" he said.

Tolentino also said Poe’s wife, Susan Roces, may have also been under stress because her "being touched and manipulated" to wave at people by Roxas City vice mayoral bet Allan Celino during a campaign sortie may have induced her to physically lash out at him.

It’s an "irritant you can only handle for so long," he said.

Coping With Irritants

Tolentino said the number one "stress repellant" is resilience, of being to "bend when needed," like the bamboo.

He added that another way to beat stress is to "look at the little battles," taking each challenge as it comes.

"Stress is a perception! It doesn’t have to be real," Tolentino said, adding that what matters is the candidate’s perception of the stress as well as his resources to handle it.

He said while there are "natural determinants" to the level of stress a candidate can handle, there are ways to get through the day without becoming stressed out.

Type A personalities are more prone to stress because they are exceedingly goal-driven but not flexible enough, according to Tolentino.

He also said that a candidate who has the capacity to look inside, examine himself honestly, and be able to verbalize what he finds there will weather stress best — particularly if the candidate wins.

"Candidates who blow off may show they don’t have full control or full awareness of themselves," Tolentino said. "People draw strength from their leader. If they do not have confidence, strength or wholeness of self, there’s nothing to give others."

Another determinant is the candidate’s physical health. If a politician has certain health problems at the start of the campaign, the stress of campaigning can exacerbate the problem, he said.

Tolentino added that candidates who are prone to drink or smoke may find themselves drinking or smoking more during this period.

He also said that aside from these natural determinants, a candidate’s way of coping with stress can influence his chances of developing mental and physical problems on the campaign trail.

"If the coping (mechanism) is not adequate, the source of stress remains," Tolentino said.

He cited that denial and projection — a defense mechanism whereby unacceptable motives, characteristics, or desires unacceptable to a person’s ego are attributed to someone else — are two less mature ways of coping with stress.

Tolentino said a candidate should instead seek pockets of rest during the hectic campaign sorties in order to remain healthy.

Another way of coping with stress is for a candidate to surround himself with people he can trust to bring him information, and to whom he can confide his real feelings about the day’s developments and "accept him despite that," he said.