Fear and Elections: Beware

Fear is an automatic emotional reaction to danger. It can be a perceived real threat, a risk announced by other people, or a situation that we imagine.

It may be a healthy response, or something with no basis in reality. What we fear could be: A. Verifiable; B. Reliable due to the seriousness of the source; C. Not totally reliable because it is based on someone's forecast; or D. A product of our imagination.

During election periods it is common for panic to be used as a political tool. These intimidating strategies are used by politicians and also by their supporters.

Fear produces emotions that induce action. They can cause conflicts between family and friends and could also cause verbal, psychological or physical violence. Likewise, catastrophic thoughts can promote impulsive and harmful actions.

Currently, due to the electoral process, in Colombia there are many people in anguish, considering actions precipitated by a perceived imminent danger. Many are considering moving to another country without being prepared to do so. That may be the right decision, but desperate and improvised arrangements often go awry.

Watch out! Fear can be the worst counselor causing distortions of judgement. Ideally, to act or not to act should be a decision that is completely within our control. The healthy thing is to regulate emotions and quietly choose what suits us best.

Suggestions:

1. Check the true degree of the alleged danger.

2. Use reliable information. Run away from fake news.

3. Function from a mental platform of serenity.

4. Not believing what we think while we are full of fear.

5. Consult with several people to validate thoughts.

6. Protect relationships. Prevent politics from damaging family or friendships.

7. When faced with real dangers, we must make plans to respond to different situations.

8. Use relaxation mechanisms or meditation.

9. For religious people, praying is always a good option.

Ramón Rojano, MD, PhD #gimnasiopsicologico #psychgym #ramonrojano