Eliezer Sanfiel Caro, a psychologist, said that prior to the presidential elections, the Andrés Bello Catholic University published a study that showed that 4 out of 10 Venezuelans suffered from anxiety.
Author: Rosangel Navas / Yaracuy Today
Almost two months into one of the most controversial electoral processes in the country, mental health specialists say that citizens continue to experience high levels of anxiety and nervousness, resulting in a series of symptoms that affect their daily lives.
Eliezer Sanfiel Caro, a psychologist, said that prior to these elections, the Catholic University “Andrés Bello” published a study in which It is reflected that 4 out of 10 Venezuelans suffered from anxietysince they perceived the national environment with fear at that time, said study also reflected that 2 out of 10 Venezuelans experienced high levels of symptoms related to depression and anxiety, which is associated with loss of sleep, tension, self-distrust and stress.
«A group of colleagues concluded that these numbers could have increased considerably after #28July, since people still have expectations regarding transparency, as well as the oft-repeated issue of presenting evidence of those results that were announced by the electoral authorities, issues that increased the level of uncertainty, anxiety and depression among Venezuelans,” he said.
Sanfiel Caro said that this must be added to the issue of inflation, which is also getting worse and is a situation that keeps people on alert, coupled with the psychological discomfort caused by the issue of social networks and the sanctions for those who take a certain position on this issue, which is no longer exclusive to a group of people, but to an entire country.
Different ways to react
The mental health specialist highlighted that It is important to keep in mind that each person will interpret the different events in life. according to their own expectations and according to their political affinity, as in this case.
She also believes that it is important to take into account how people respond to these situations, how they handle frustrations and adverse situations. “This means that there are people who act out of anger, while others do so out of hopelessness and helplessness, all of which generates anxiety and worry.”
People should express their emotions
Sanfiel Caro also suggested that people should express what they feel; “However, we know that expressing what we feel on social media is harmful, so it is recommended to express it with trusted groups of friends. It also works when you are at home to write in a notebook how you feel and this will undoubtedly help you alleviate that psychological suffering.”
Connecting with pleasurable activities is another recommendation for citizens to leave anxiety and nervousness behind.
If symptoms of depression and anxiety persist for a long time, it is important to seek help from a mental health specialist.
*Read also: Guterres expresses concern to Maduro over post-election crisis in Venezuela
Information must be dosed
Among the recommendations that the psychologist gives to citizens, in light of this situation, it should be noted that the most important thing is to first measure the information that is consumed, keeping in mind that social networks work with the algorithm, and this means that if I look for political information, it will constantly show this type of information; “So, being connected all day to this type of news only generates frustration, anger, hopelessness and rage.”
He also recommended that people connect with their “internal locus of control,” and when talking about this, he refers to how to differentiate what is under their control and under their ability to resolve and what is not. “Obviously, the political situation is not something that I can resolve as such, but I can resolve the way in which I manage my emotions; so, it is the moment that people can connect with their goals and all those things that they long for.”
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