Mental wellness for presidents–and everyone

I do not understand how it is possible for someone reportedly with antisocial narcissistic disorder to be elected president.

But the idea of a president with such disorder just suggests how little people know about mental illness and mental health. Which makes me think that mental health specialists should focus on psycho-education to make people more conscious about mental wellness.

Of course, media should be involved in educating the public about mental health. I also think that the Commission on Elections should not allow just anyone to run for president. Mental fitness should be a requirement for all presidential candidates. It’s very risky for a country to have an antisocial president, unless, maybe, he submits himself to therapy and sees his doctor regularly and religiously and strictly complies with the prescribed medication and treatment.

The country should also recognize the significance of good moral character and right conduct. Such qualities should be made a requirement for anyone seeking the presidency, especially because a president tends to be looked up to as a model for everyone, especially the youth. Cursing in public is not a sign of a healthy mind-set, especially when it is directed at and demeans people.

Mental wellness manifests in one’s respect for a person as an individual or as a member of society. It makes for a mature and responsible behavior. Mental wellness is wishing others health and happiness, not threatening others with harm or death, which is a form of bullying, a mark of one with a dangerous psychological disorder.

The presidency is not just a matter of winning the popular vote. What if the majority of the people are suffering from stress? If one is under stress, his judgement may be clouded such that he makes the wrong choices.

The Department of Health should do its share in ensuring, before the elections, that Filipinos are not stressed and are of sound mind—in other words, mentally healthy—on the day they cast their votes.

—MARIA CHARINA RODRIGUEZ, [email protected]