Self Check

 

                                               (image: followingfulfillment.com)

Nahadlok or poloho lamang gajod?

It is understandable that we experience fear when our lives are threatened. Without fear, self-preservation won’t happen. Fear also drives the ego to protect the self.

When the earthquake happened, we were afraid of our lives, our possessions and the well-being of our loved ones. Some even experienced trauma. This had some adverse effects in the way they feel and see things.

PTSD or post-traumatic stress disorder is characterized by specific symptoms, including intrusive thoughts, hyperarousal, flashbacks, nightmares, and sleep disturbances, changes in memory and concentration, and startle responses.

Psychological trauma can leave you struggling with upsetting emotions, memories, and anxiety that won’t go away. It can also leave you feeling numb, disconnected, and unable to trust other people (helpguide.org).

When work suspension was announced by the province of Surigao del Sur, there were those who felt relieved since they did not trust the structural integrity of their office buildings and the like. When some tasks were required by higher offices, there were some who expressed their dismay and hurled accusations on social media. A few even sent written complaints generated by artificial intelligence. They do not want to do minor tasks citing the executive order.

We then wonder if this is caused by trauma or simply sloth.

Procrastinators according to Scott (2022) chronically avoid difficult tasks and may deliberately look for distractions.

A researcher can filter out social media posts and will find those who are looking forward to long weekends and through focused observation, could see people flocking on fast-food chains and malls.

Self-control is the ability to regulate and alter your responses to avoid undesirable behaviors, increase desirable ones, and achieve long-term goals. Research has shown that possessing self-control can be important for health and well-being (Cherry, 2023).

Self-evaluation is also a key to unlock personality traits. Am I afraid? Or something else…

We cannot discount the fact that lots are traumatized. But we also understand that others are just making excuses.