More Than Boredom

 

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Nakalaong lamang na tag-ayahan…

Many people believe they are simply bored, often using this feeling as a convenient excuse for their actions. However, the root cause of their restlessness may be more complex than they realize. Instead of just boredom.

It could be a deeper longing for fulfillment or connection that drives them to seek out distractions. Understanding these underlying motivations can lead to more meaningful choices and experiences.

Boredom has been increasingly recognized as a significant factor contributing to depression. Research by Fahlman et al. (2013) demonstrates a clear link between feelings of boredom and the onset of depressive symptoms, suggesting that chronic boredom can exacerbate feelings of hopelessness and disengagement.

Similarly, Eastwood et al. (2012) found that individuals who experience frequent boredom often report higher levels of anxiety and depression, indicating that the inability to find meaning or stimulation can lead to negative emotional states.

These depressive episodes, often masked as boredom, can drive individuals to engage in projection as a way to seek meaning in their lives. In their quest for purpose, they may resort to creating or seeking out conflict as a coping mechanism, unaware that this approach can endanger their mental health.

A study by Keng, Smoski, and Robins (2011) indicates that self-awareness can enhance emotional regulation, allowing individuals to recognize when boredom stems from deeper issues, such as unfulfilled needs or unresolved conflicts.

There is absolutely no shame in seeking clinical interventions when an individual recognizes skewed behaviors or emotional distress. In fact, taking this proactive step can pave the way for a more purposeful and fulfilling life.

An example: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns associated with boredom and depression. By fostering greater self-awareness, clients can learn to recognize how their feelings of boredom may mask deeper emotional issues, allowing for healthier coping strategies.

But denial is also present. Most of these individuals do not see anything wrong with their actions even if they are already manifesting the symptoms.

Eventually, it becomes too late when the man on the moon starts whispering in the corners of one's mind.

This haunting presence, once a distant thought, now infiltrates the person’s consciousness, signaling a profound internal struggle that has gone unaddressed. It’s a stark reminder of the importance of recognizing and confronting our emotions before they spiral into something overwhelming and inescapable.

Ennui

 

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Haw-ang.

“Ambition and position without service is like a container with holes,” asserted the bishop of Tandag Most Rev. Raul B. Dael, DD. ““No matter how much you fill it—be it wealth, influence, or accolades—you will always feel emptiness.”

Ambition without a sense of service can often feel hollow, as research suggests that personal success devoid of meaningful connection to others leads to a lack of fulfillment. A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that individuals who prioritize communal goals experience greater life satisfaction compared to those focused solely on personal achievement.

Similarly, a report from the American Psychological Association indicates that self-centered ambition can contribute to feelings of loneliness and emptiness. When people pursue goals solely for their own gain, they may overlook the intrinsic rewards of helping others, resulting in a sense of isolation and disconnection.

This is a key reason why individuals lacking self-awareness often experience dull or monotonous episodes in their lives. In an effort to escape this ennui, they may resort to projection and actively seek out conflict, believing that these dramatic interactions will validate their existence and give their lives a sense of importance. This constant need for external validation reflects a deeper struggle to connect with themselves, ultimately leading to a cycle of dissatisfaction and unrest.

A study by Glick et al. (2005) published in Psychological Science found that projecting negative traits onto others can distort perceptions and lead to increased hostility and defensiveness, further isolating the individual. These dynamics can result in chronic feelings of loneliness and dissatisfaction.

Many individuals grappling with loneliness stubbornly project their negative emotions onto others, often challenging people on different platforms. Unbeknownst to them, their true adversaries lie within, as they fail to recognize that their struggles stem from unresolved internal conflicts. This misguided expression not only alienates them further but also obscures the opportunity for genuine connection and healing.

Persons who lack the coping skills necessary to address their internal conflicts, further compounding their mental health challenges. Over time, this can lead to a decline in overall well-being and a greater likelihood of experiencing mental health disorders.

By prioritizing self-care and self-reflection, individuals can cultivate greater self-awareness, enabling them to understand their emotions and motivations.

Integrating service into ambition and position is vital for finding true fulfillment and purpose, turning personal success into a force for collective good. Self-awareness is key, enabling individuals to confront their inner struggles instead of projecting negativity onto others. By fostering genuine connections and addressing emotional challenges, we can enhance our mental health and create a more compassionate and supportive community.

 

 

On the Brink of Insanity

 

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Tagpasa an kalabad.

When one does not understand what is going on inside, chances are, the individual projects the negative feelings to others.

The phenomenon is called projection, a psychological defense mechanism. When individuals experience feelings or thoughts they can't fully understand or accept, they may project those feelings onto others. This can manifest as blaming others for their own negative emotions or misinterpreting others' actions as threatening or negative.

Sigmund Freud first introduced the concept of projection as a defense mechanism in his psychoanalytic theory. He suggested that individuals might project their own undesirable feelings or thoughts onto others as a way to cope with anxiety.

This behavior often arises when someone is grappling with internal conflict, insecurity, or unresolved issues. Instead of confronting these feelings directly, they externalize them, attributing their own discomfort to the people around them. This can lead to misunderstandings, strained relationships, and a cycle of negativity that can be difficult to break.

Otto Kernberg (1975) explored how projection functions in personality disorders, particularly in borderline and narcissistic individuals. His work emphasized how these individuals might project their internal conflicts onto others, leading to unstable relationships.

These situations were ignored before but with the current attention to mental health, people are now looking into the reasons of skewed behaviors.

The destigmatization of mental health issues has encouraged individuals to explore the psychological roots of their behaviors. As awareness grows, more people are recognizing that behaviors like projection can stem from unresolved emotional conflicts (Corrigan et al., 2012).

Increasing emotional intelligence can be beneficial. Learning to identify and label emotions accurately allows individuals to understand their feelings better and reduce the tendency to project them onto others.

Otherwise, worsening conditions can arise, leading to a state of turmoil or insanity.

Teaching Loads

 

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Hilabian na pasensya!

Nick Garcia of the Philippine Star reported on September 26, 2024: The Davao de Oro division of the Department of Education (DepEd) is investigating the case of a teacher who died allegedly due to stress after being scolded by the school principal. In a statement on Sept. 22, DepEd-Davao de Oro extended its deepest condolences to the family of Marjorie Espinosa Llanto-Bonto, who taught at Tibagon Elementary School in Panutukan North District.

The scolding allegedly stemmed from the complain of a disgruntled parent when Mrs. Bonto “failed” to give first aid to a learner who encountered an accident while playing with a classmate.

On October 3, 2024, philstar.com reported: Rescuers reportedly found one of the teachers who died in the Thailand school bus fire embracing her student in their final moments. Local newspaper Khaosod English reported that Kanokwan Sripong was among the casualties of the bus carrying six teachers and 39 students in elementary and junior high school.

The bus was traveling from Uthai Thani province, about 300 kilometers (186 miles) north of the capital Bangkok, for a school trip in Ayutthaya and Nonthaburi provinces on Oct. 1 of this year.

These are just some narrative we hear about the lives of the teachers.

Teachers often make profound sacrifices to ensure their students' success, both academically and personally. They frequently invest their own time and resources, often working beyond regular hours to provide additional support and enrichment opportunities (Ingersoll, 2001).

According to a report by the National Education Association (NEA, 2019), many educators spend their own money on classroom supplies, highlighting their commitment to creating a conducive learning environment despite limited funding.

Furthermore, the emotional toll can be significant, as teachers navigate the challenges of diverse classrooms, often prioritizing their students' needs over their own well-being (Blase & Blase, 2006). These sacrifices underscore the dedication and resilience inherent in the teaching profession, which plays a crucial role in shaping the future.

Research by Skaalvik and Skaalvik (2017) emphasizes the importance of reducing workload stressors, suggesting that providing teachers with adequate resources and support can significantly improve their emotional well-being.

Also, professional development opportunities that focus on social-emotional learning can help educators manage stress and connect better with their students, ultimately leading to a more compassionate school culture (Zins & Elias, 2006).

Self-care practices are vital. Studies show that teachers who engage in mindfulness and stress-reduction techniques report lower levels of stress and increased job satisfaction (Roeser et al., 2013). Professional development programs that focus on emotional intelligence and stress management can equip teachers with tools to better handle challenges (Brunetti, 2006).

As we celebrate World Teachers' Day today, it's essential to recognize the need for a collaborative effort among the government, educational administrators, stakeholders, and the teachers themselves. Together, they can create a more enriching and supportive work environment that truly reflects and honors the dedication and hard work teachers invest every day. By fostering open communication, providing necessary resources, and valuing teachers' contributions, we can cultivate a culture of respect and appreciation that empowers educators to thrive in their vital roles.

Otherwise, we risk seeing more troubling narratives emerge in print and across various media platforms.