Contagion

 

                                                 (image: youtube.com)

Makatapon an kabuang?

With the growing prevalence of mental health issues and actions highlighted across social media platforms, one might wonder: Can psychological disorders be contagious?

Actually, psychological disorders are not contagious in the traditional sense, but they can significantly affect those around the individual through emotional strain, behavioral influence, and interpersonal conflict.

People struggling with psychological disturbances can be found everywhere—within homes, workplaces, and even in the virtual world, where they often express their distorted actions, behaviors, and opinions without restraint. As these expressions intensify, they can overwhelm those around them, leading to emotional strain, heightened anxiety, and even depression.

Research indicates that unfavorable social environments contribute to increased vulnerability to mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression (Patel et al., 2023). For instance, social media interactions can heighten feelings of anxiety and depression, particularly among adolescents and young adults (UC Davis Health, 2024).

Narcissistic people often manipulate others, prioritize self-interest, and create divisive dynamics, resulting in emotional exhaustion and dissatisfaction (Karakitapoğlu-Aygün et al., 2023).

Avoiding such individuals is challenging, as they are often present in various aspects of daily life. More troubling is their inability to recognize their own psychological disturbances, leading them to rationalize their harmful behaviors, even when they have caused significant emotional distress to others. Yet, they persist, deriving a sense of gratification from their actions—an attempt to compensate for their deep-seated emotional voids, as if inflicting pain or asserting dominance could somehow fill their internal deficiencies.

Lately, we have witnessed individuals attempting to disrupt our peace, resorting to intimidation by threatening to padlock establishments while demanding compliance with their fabricated sense of authority.

How do we fortify our navigational capacities with these people around?

Surviving in environments with individuals exhibiting psychological disturbances requires a combination of emotional resilience, strategic boundary-setting, and mindful stress management. Developing self-awareness and emotional detachment helps prevent internalizing toxic behaviors, while assertive communication and firm boundaries ensure protection from manipulation.

Navigating social dynamics effectively involves selective engagement, seeking support networks, and understanding institutional policies to mitigate negative impacts. Additionally, practicing mindfulness techniques, engaging in stress-relieving activities, and knowing when to seek intervention can safeguard mental well-being.

If we allow them to influence us, what remains of our sanity?