The Enemy Within

 

                                                  (image: youtube.com)

Basin siway na baja an pangisip.

In June 2018, Republic Act 11036, or the Mental Health Act was signed into law. Apart from aiming to eliminate the stigma attached to mental health issues, RA 11036 seeks to promote mental health care in workplaces, schools and at the community level.

When observing closely, one can easily detect the growing prevalence of mental health disorders among adults, whether in social spaces, the workplace, or even across social media platforms. This increasing visibility is a direct reflection of how these issues are becoming more apparent, as various platforms now provide outlets for discussion and awareness. With greater exposure and a shift toward more open dialogue, society is beginning to recognize and acknowledge the widespread impact of these illnesses.

Among adults, childhood deprivation, including experiences such as neglect, poverty, and maltreatment, is strongly linked to a higher risk of developing various mental health disorders. Studies show that adults who experienced significant early adversity are more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression, PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), and personality disorders.

Research indicates that these individuals have a notably higher prevalence of mental disorders compared to the general adult population. For instance, a pooled prevalence rate of 30% for any mental disorder has been observed among adults with a history of out-of-home care, compared to 18% in the general population (PMC, 2022).

Unaddressed mental illness can profoundly impact an individual’s social relationships. The negative effects can ripple outward, influencing not only the individual but also their colleagues, family members, and broader social networks. Unresolved mental health challenges can undermine effective communication, decision-making, and emotional intelligence, leading to diminished trust and morale.

Is it possible for people with mental health issues to be unaware of their condition?

Many of them may not recognize the signs or symptoms of mental illness, especially if they develop gradually or are not immediately disruptive. In some cases, individuals may normalize their experiences, such as feeling anxious or low, and attribute them to external factors like stress or fatigue, rather than seeing them as part of a mental health condition.

Stigma surrounding mental illness can prevent individuals from acknowledging their symptoms, leading them to ignore or dismiss the need for professional help (Williams, 2018). Lack of awareness or education about mental health issues, coupled with limited access to resources, can make it difficult for individuals to recognize the need for treatment, further delaying their ability to seek assistance (Johnson & Lee, 2021).

In today's fast-paced, high-pressure world, many individuals find their mental health adversely affected by the constant demands and stressors of modern life.

There are also individuals who struggle to differentiate between whether someone is genuinely experiencing mental illness or simply behaving in a way they perceive as right or appropriate. This uncertainty can create confusion and emotional distress, as they may question their own perceptions or actions. In some cases, they even place the blame on themselves, feeling responsible for the person’s behavior, even when the individual is clearly manifesting symptoms of a mental health condition.

Indeed, mental health advocacy must be widespread and continuous to foster a healthier, more resilient society. By integrating mental health awareness into everyday conversations, educational systems, and workplaces, we can reduce stigma and encourage individuals to seek help when needed. A pervasive mental health advocacy campaign ensures that people not only understand the importance of mental well-being but also feel empowered to prioritize it.

This cultural shift toward acceptance and support can lead to a more compassionate society, where mental health is treated with the same level of care and importance as physical health, ultimately creating a more balanced and thriving community.

When the Mind Becomes Critical

 

                                               (image: youtube.com)

Pusilon deretso?

Dominique Nicole Flores of the Philippine Star reported: One of the three victims in the Antipolo road rage altercation-turned-shooting died a day after the incident, city police chief Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Manongdo confirmed on Monday, March 31, 2025.

The road rage incident occurred around 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 30, of this year when 28-year-old suspect, known by the alias “Kenneth,” was seen in multiple videos circulating online pulling out a gun after a fistfight.

Netizens quickly directed their anger towards the riders involved, while others who were outraged by the shooting condemned the shooter for resorting to such extreme measures, especially given that he also wounded his own wife. However, some individuals shifted their perspective after seeing the earlier part of the video, which also went viral on social media, leading to a shift in public opinion.

This raises an important question: Why are some people so deeply invested in social media posts? Can their judgment be swayed by what they see without taking the time to fact-check? And if so, what are the potential consequences of adopting this kind of mindset?

Several studies have explored the impact of social media on judgment and decision-making. For instance, Fogg et al. (2003) highlighted how easily users are influenced by online content, often without verifying its accuracy. This phenomenon is further discussed by Pennycook and Rand (2018), who found that individuals are more likely to believe misinformation on social media if it aligns with their pre-existing beliefs, especially when fact-checking is not prioritized.

Are their judgments and opinions influenced by their ability to engage in critical thinking?

Critical thinking allows people to assess information more thoroughly, question assumptions, evaluate evidence, and consider alternative perspectives. When individuals lack strong critical thinking skills, they may be more susceptible to biases, emotional reactions, and misinformation, which can distort their judgment. On the other hand, those who actively apply critical thinking are more likely to make informed decisions and form well-reasoned opinions, as they are better equipped to filter out unreliable or misleading information.

Amid the challenges educators face in fostering critical thinking in the classroom, they are confronted with a significant threat: the social environment itself often lacks these skills. At home, where many parents treat their mobile phones as extensions of their lives, critical thinking may take a backseat. With constant exposure to quick, hasty judgments and misinformation online, parents may inadvertently model poor decision-making for their children. In such an environment, attempting to cultivate critical thinking skills in learners may feel like a futile effort, as the foundation for these skills is often absent at home.

Videos of road rage and other violent content will keep circulating, drawing in viewers who are constantly exposed to them. Over time, this endless stream of disturbing material can numb people, making them less sensitive to the impact of what they’re seeing. Instead of sparking thoughtful reflection, these videos can desensitize audiences, normalizing harmful behavior and dulling their ability to critically engage with the world around them.