A PRIMER ON THE DEATH PENALTY: How to Approach the Controversy

A PRIMER ON THE DEATH PENALTY: How to Approach the Controversy
by Randy Dellosa, psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, life coach

If I were asked to name some people who were sentenced to death by public execution, 5 people would automatically come to mind. Three of them comprise the priests known collectively as “Gomburza.” The fourth one would be Dr. Jose Rizal. And the last one would be Jesus Christ. As for the manner by which they were publicly executed, Gomburza died by garrote, Rizal by firing squad, and Christ by crucifixion.

 

In Philippine History class, I learned that PNoy’s father, Senator Benigno Aquino himself, was one of those sentenced to die by firing squad. He may have escaped the firing squad, but paradoxically, it was still a bullet that took his life. It is understandable then why Corazon Aquino abolished the death penalty during her term.

THE GREAT DEBATE

Throughout history, the issue of death penalty has always been a controversial topic mainly because there are strong arguments for and against its imposition.

Main arguments FOR the death penalty:

1. A life for a life. Those who commit heinous crimes such as plunder, treason, kidnapping, arson, murder, and rape should be killed.

2. Criminals who fear the death penalty will think twice before committing crime.

3. We can be sure that those who were executed will never ever commit crime again.

4. Revenge (retribution) is necessary so that family members of the victim can have emotional closure. 

5. Killing the criminal is more humane than imposing a life sentence behind bars.

Main arguments AGAINST the death penalty:

 

1. It is a proven fact that the death penalty does not prevent crime. Some research studies even indicate that the crime rates increase after a public execution. 

2. Because the justice system is strongly-flawed, innocent people have been intentionally or mistakenly executed.

3. The death penalty is discriminatorily applied to poor people, racially-prejudiced people, and people with mental illness. Rich and influential people are rarely meted the death penalty.

4. Supporters of the death penalty are as morally guilty as the executioner that kills the criminal.

5. Those who are executed are deprived of the chance to rehabilitate their lives.

WHAT TYPE OF JUSTICE DO YOU BELIEVE IN?

If you are FOR the death penalty, the type of justice that you espouse is called “retributive justice.” “An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth” is how the Old Testament puts it. The primary emphasis of retributive justice is retaliation or vengeance for the crime committed.

If you are AGAINST the death penalty, the type of justice that might appeal to you is called “restorative justice.” It is focused on making the criminal offender suffer a life sentence in prison but with the aim of rehabilitating the offender, meeting the needs of the victim(s) and the community, and promoting healing for all involved.

IN THIS DEBATE, DON’T BE A TROLL!

In the upcoming debate on the death penalty, you can expect that social media trolls are going to resurrect in full force as they did during the elections.

Trolls are easily recognized because they are closed-minded, potty-mouthed, arrogant, hateful, illogical, and sarcastic cyberbullies. Their reasoning is flawed by their emotional prejudices and political loyalties. And the most annoying thing about them is that they actually enjoy provoking anger among netizens.

BE CRITICAL THINKERS INSTEAD!

Here are my tips on how you can be a reflective thinker/analyst on the controversial topic of the death penalty:

* Don’t rush in making a decision on the death penalty. Postpone making a final decision until you have thoroughly studied and reflected on the details of the issue.

* Listen open-mindedly to points of view that oppose yours. 

* Welcome sound criticisms about your beliefs and assumptions. Be open to the possibility that you are wrong. 

* Base your beliefs on facts and evidence rather than on political loyalty or emotional biases.

* Study and appreciate the arguments on both sides.

* Be respectful to those who don’t share your views. Agree to disagree.

* Learn from discussion groups, debates, and experts from both sides. 

* Place yourself in the shoes of the family members of the victims of heinous crimes.

* Place yourself in the shoes of prisoners awaiting their execution.

* And lastly, think independently. Be your own person. Don’t be a blind follower or group-thinker.

Have a good day, fellow Flips, and MABUHAY TAYONG LAHAT! (Except of course the prisoners on death row). Sincerely yours, Mahatma Randhi :D

ANXIETY DISORDERS: IS YOUR NERBYOS KILLING YOU?

ANXIETY DISORDERS: IS YOUR NERBYOS KILLING YOU?
by Randy Dellosa, psychiatrist-clinical psychologist-life coach

“Nerbyos” is a tagalog word which apparently comes from the English word “nervous.” When pinoys say that a person has “nerbyos,” it usually means that that person is suffering from a mental or emotional condition. For psychologists and psychiatrists however, the term “nerbyos” specifically refers to the psychiatric condition known as anxiety disorder.


Pinoys believe that “nerbyos” is caused by a “bara sa ugat (i.e., blockage in the nerves or nerve conduction).” To some degree, that belief is true because research has found out that there is a disturbance in the flow of brain chemicals (e.g., adrenaline, dopamine, serotonin, etc.) through the nerve cells.

NORMAL VERSUS ABNORMAL ANXIETY


Anxiety is a normal experience in life. Anxiety tells us that we have to prepare for an impending problem, stressful situation, or crisis.

Anxiety however becomes abnormal when it is:
* too intense
* too prolonged
* recurrent
* experienced for no apparent reason
* triggered by minimal or insignificant stimulus
* a disturbance to our daily life.

CAUSES OF ANXIETY DISORDER

Caffeine, uppers (like shabu, cocaine, heroin, ecstacy, etc.), bad trips from marijuana, hormonal imbalances, certain medications, and some medical illnesses may cause anxiety.

Emotional baggage and stress are psychological reasons to feel anxious.

Research also indicates that anxiety disorders may be transmitted through the genes.

WHAT DOES AN ANXIETY ATTACK FEEL LIKE?

Imagine downing 3-4 cups of brewed coffee all at one take. How would you feel?

Imagine standing at the ledge of a 50-foor building. How would you feel?

 Common symptoms of anxiety disorders include:

* restlessness or uneasiness (pagkabalisa, di mapakali)

* palpitations or pounding heartbeat (kabog ng dibdib)

* hyperventilation or shortness of breath (kapos sa paghinga)

* fainting, dizziness, light-headedness (parang mahihimatay, pagkahilo, pagkalutang)

* cold spells (panlalamig ng katawan)

*digestive problems (acid reflux, GERD, LBM)

* tremors and numbness (pangiginig, pagmamanhid)

* body weakening (parang nauupos na kandila)

* feelings of going crazy, of having a serious illness, of dying, or of losing self-control


Can you imagine the agony of having to intensely experience all these symptoms all at one time, or all the time?

WHICH TYPE OF ANXIETY DISORDER DO YOU HAVE?

Anxiety disorders come in different forms:


1. Panic Disorder: Intense anxiety attacks that recur frequently.

2. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Anxiety and worrying throughout the day, every day.

3. Simple Phobia: Intense anxiety when expose to feared objects or situations.

4. Social Phobia: Intense anxiety when around people or when interacting with people.

5. Agoraphobia: Intense anxiety in situations wherein the person feels trapped or unable to get help.

6. Separation Anxiety Disorder: Intense anxiety when separated from a person who is a source of safety and security.

7. Selective mutism: Failure to talk in selected anxiety-provoking situations.

SO HOW ARE ANXIETY DISORDERS TREATED?

Anxiety disorders are best treated by medication, talk therapy, wellness therapies, and stress management techniques.

Regarding medications, I avoid giving tranquilizers like Valium, Rivotril, or Xanor because they are habit-forming and may cause depression. The better option is taking an anti-depressant because they are relatively safe and non-habit forming.The important thing though is for the patient to find the “right” medication, one that is “hiyang” to him or her. The right medication is one that

(1) has no side effects and

(2) which significantly reduces or obliterates the anxiety symptoms within 2-3 weeks.

If the medication produces side effects, it obviously has to be changed.

HELP AND HOPE FOR THOSE SUFFERING FROM ANXIETY ATTACKS

From my clinical experience, 99% of all my patients experience significant improvement or total recovery within 2-3 weeks of finding the right medication. Hope is real if you just reach out for professional help! And the faster you get help, the more quickly you’ll recover!

Visit randydellosa.com or randydellosa.net for the compassionate and competent help you need!

DO YOU HAVE MAJOR DEPRESSION?

DEPRESSED KA BA, O "EMO" LANG?
by Randy Dellosa, psychiatrist-clinical psychologist-life coach

Everyday of my working life, I meet people who are clinically depressed. I've found out that many depressed people don't actually know that they're depressed. They just know that they're not their usual selves and they feel that something is wrong with them.

Well, here's the checklist I use to assess whether a person has depression or not. To consider yourself as clinically depressed, you must have at least 5 of the following symptoms:

* Feelings of sadness, irritability, or anger
* Loss of motivation, initiative, interest, or enjoyment
* Changes in your sleep pattern
* Changes in your appetite
* Changes in your energy level
* Poor self-esteem, self-confidence, or self-image
* Overthinking, especially of negative thoughts, worries, concerns
* Poor focus or concentration
* Wishing that God would take you, or having thoughts of hurting/killing yourself

Simplistically speaking, if you are clinically depressed, it means that there is a serotonin imbalance in your brain that is causing your depression. Thus, you need a serotonin balancer (a.k.a. antidepressant) to balance your serotonin.

The good news is that with the right antidepressant at the right dosage, depressed people recover quickly within 2-3 weeks. The "right" antidepressant is one that is should make you happy, energetic, and productive within 2-3 weeks and should not give you any unwanted side effects. Otherwise, the antidepressant should be changed.

Aside from antidepressant medication, you will also benefit from talk therapy, wellness therapies (acupuncture, hypnotherapy, EFT, supplements, massage, etc.), and stress management techniques.

So. if you are clinically depressed, don't dilly dally. Seek professional help NOW! Remember that with the right treatment, you'll feel much better within just 2-3 weeks.

Oh, and by the way, kahit "emo" ka lang ay clinically depressed ka rin!

Good vibes, fellow Flips, and be happy! :D Sincerely yours, Mahatma Randhi :D

UNDERSTANDING ADHD

UNDERSTANDING ADHD
by Randy Dellosa, psychiatrist-psychologist-life coach

Some months ago, a Pinoy actor named Albie Casino announced in a press conference that he had ADHD. He explained that due to his ADHD, it became difficult and stressful for him to interact with others.

What is this ADHD anyway, which Albie Casino claimed he has?

ADHD DEFINED

ADHD is short for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. "Attention deficit" here doesn't mean "kulang sila sa pansin." "Attention Deficit" in ADHD means "short attention span."

It is a brain disorder caused by problems with the brain chemicals, nerve pathways, brain structure, and brain functioning.

It is strongly genetic in origin.

TYPES OF ADHD AND THEIR SYMPTOMS

When a person has ADHD, it will commonly manifest in 3 ways:

(1) Inattentive Type - characterized by the following symptoms:
* lumilipad ang isip
* kalat ang isip
* hindi makapag-concentrate
* madaling ma-distract
* pagiging makakalimutin
* burara sa gamit
* madalas ma-misplace ang kagamitan

(2a) Hyperactive Type - characterized by the following symptoms:
* di mapakali
* makulit, maharot, malikot
* pasaway, palaaway
* sobrang bibo at aktibo
* "hyper" rin ang bibig- madaldal at maingay
* computer/gaming addiction (since the games give them the illusion of being physically active
* pagamit ng alcohol, weed, or "uppers" para mabawasan ang kanilang excess energy (Surprisingly. uppers like shabu may cause a paradoxical effect and cause relaxation for them.)

(2b) Impulsive Type - characterized by the following symptoms:
* padalos-dalos ang ginagawa o sinasabi
* di makapaghintay, demanding
* madaling mairita o magalit

(3) Combined Type - "all of the above."

These symptoms of ADHD continue throughout adulthood.

TREATMENT FOR ADHD

The good news about ADHD is that it can be managed by:
* Anti-ADHD medicine and natural supplements
* Behavioral management therapy
* Dietary changes, sports, and an active lifestyle
* Individual and family counseling
* Wellness therapies (such as acupuncture, yoga, and massage)

ALL IS NOT LOST FOR THOSE WITH ADHD

Remember that Michael Jordan, Michael Phelps, John F. Kennedy, Justin Timberlake, Walt Disney, Will Smith, Jim Carrey, and even Albert Einstein all became successful people despite their struggles with ADHD.

If you are interested in ADHD support groups, seminars, or workshops, the AD/HD Society of the Philippines is always ready to assist you. You can visit their FB page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/adhdsociety/.

WHAT SUPERPOWER DO YOU WANT TO HAVE?

WHAT SUPERPOWER DO YOU WANT TO HAVE?
By Randy Dellosa, parapsychologist

I’ve been an X-Men fan since I was a little kid, hence, watching X-Men Apocalypse was such a treat! Of all X-Men mutants, none have inspired me more than Professor Xavier.

ATENEO PARAPSYCHOLOGY CLUB

My chance to develop telepathic powers like his came in high school at the Ateneo. Some schoolmates and I established the Ateneo Parapsychology Society wherein I served as its first president. Under the guidance of Jesuit Fr. Francisco Perez, we were exposed to paranormal stuff such as telekinesis, spoon-bending, levitation, fire-starting, etc.

THE PINEAL GLAND

Eventually, I learned that the emergence of paranormal powers (a.k.a. psychic abilities) resulted from development of the pineal gland found at the center of the brain. That gland is known to be the “seat of the soul.”

TELEKINESIS

Back then, the psychic ability I was most interested in developing was telekinesis. Telekinesis is the ability to move objects through mental power or by the projection of bio-energy. Do I believe that telekinesis is possible? Of course, I do. Not only have I actually witnessed people with remarkable telekinetic abilities, I myself have been successful in doing some little telekinetic experiments of my own.

HOW TO MOVE OBJECTS TELEKINETICALLY

The basic telekinetic experiment is to try to move light and tiny objects placed inside a closed jar so that it is not moved by wind or temperature.

Telekinesis is actually easy to do. With mental intention, you simply create an energy field between the palms of your hands, and as soon as the energy field is strongly and thickly felt, you use it to move the object inside the jar.

People who can create a very strong energy field are able to move objects in a jar even from a distance.

Some scientists explain that the energy field consists of a cloud of “biophotons” (or "energy particles") emitted from the palms which become dense enough to move objects.

After all these years, I've remained an amateur with regards to my telekinetic abilities. Well, that's because it takes practice, practice, and more practice to develop one’s telekinetic skills and the truth is, I’ve been quite lazy.

USING PARANORMAL ABILITIES FOR A NOBLE PURPOSE

At this time in my life, I am more interested in using my energy to facilitate healing in people. This is called “energy healing” and it comes in the form of Reiki, Quantum Touch, or Medical Qigong Therapy. Personally, I develop my energy healing abilities by doing Qigong meditation and exercises (similar to Taichi).

Psychic abilities remind us that life is mysterious and more so, our minds. If it becomes your choice to develop your psychic abilities, make sure to use it for spiritual purposes and for the benefit of all mankind.

And thus, to end this article, allow me to use my psychic abilities to make a prediction about your future:

You will experience a pleasant surprise today It may be a small quiet surprise or a big dramatic one. But whatever kind of surprise it is, it's a surprise that will surely make you happy and grateful!

Yours truly, Mahatma Randhi :D

Suicidal Tarsiers Need Psychiatric Help,Too!

SUICIDAL TARSIERS NEED PSYCHIATRIC HELP, TOO!
by Randy Dellosa (psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, life coach)

If tarsiers were rough and tough and rude and crude, they would probably be called "Dutartiers" in honor of President Duterte. But unfortunately, tarsiers are a far cry from Digong. The cute and cuddly tarsiers are weak and meek little critters that need all the protection they can get.

In human captivitiy, tarsiers live for only 2 years or shorter. But when they are placed in ideal environmental conditions, tarsiers can live a maximum of 25 years. Only one tarsier is known to have lived up to 900 long years and it's name is Yoda. Yoda may have been a master at controlling "The Force," but he miserably failed at grammar. Even on his deathbed, Yoda's grammar sucked as his dying words were "Sick have I become."

TARSIER TRIVIA

Here are some psychological trivia about tarsiers that might interest you:

1) Tarsiers are loners. 

If tarsiers could be diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder, it would be a "schizoid personality disorder." Schizoid personalities are characterized as 'loners."

Tarsiers are very schizoid, that is, they are very solitary and introverted creatures. In fact, each tarsier will need at least 1 large hectare of personal space, away from any other tarsier.

They are allergic to being touched and dislike the blinding flashes of light from cameras.

2) Tarsiers have murderous sexual behaviors. 

If a female tarsier intruded into the territory of a male tarsier, the female tarsier could get killed if it was considered unattractive (or “fugly”) by the male tarsier. Wow, talk about high standards!

3) Tarsiers can get depressed and suicidal.

Tarsiers have very low tolerance to stress. In human captivity, they get stressed, anxious, and depressed. When their stress gets too much to handle, tarsiers go emo and commit suicide by cracking their skulls open through head-banging.

LET'S PROTECT THIS ENDANGERED SPECIES FROM GETTING EXTINCT!

The Philippine Tarsier Foundation gives us the following tips on how we can help preserve the tarsiers:

- Don't keep tarsiers as pets.
- Don't buy captured tarsiers in the pet market.
- Report cases of hunting, killing or smuggling of tarsiers.
- Do not patronize outlets displaying illegally-acquired tarsiers.
- Donate to organizations which support tarsier research and conservation.

THERE ARE 1000 REMAINING TARSIERS IN THE PHILIPPINES!

The tarsiers need us to survive. Let us participate in protecting them, so like Yoda, they can have the opportunity to live up to the ripe old happy age of 900 years!

Dear friends, may The Force be strong in all of us! Perhaps speaking like Yoda is the true secret to mastering The Force. If you're interested, visit the following Yoda translator app at: http://funtranslations.com/yoda

Good vibes, everyone! - Mahatma Randhi :D