I'm sad

Most psychiatrists have turned to the term SAD to convey to their clients that they are going through one of the most common issues, social anxiety disorder. A quick google look on the term has made me realize that this is also called social phobia, or when one  cannot stand being watched or judged by others. Since the pandemic started, I have had a lot of students using this as an excuse to get away from requirements. They pawn the medical certificate issued by their doctor on being "sad".

Recently, the "I'm sad" trend started on social media. This is where one would post the claim of feeling this emotion and followed by a tag of their favorite store in the hope of being pitied upon. At first I thought it was cute. There is something that humanity is improving on, having genuine care for one another. We are always uncertain about the pandemic and a little spark of hope could just make the day better. Nothing beats a good moment at the end of a very bad day.

However, the situation got worse. Even those individuals who are not feeling sad are going on the bandwagon of being the same just to get free items. I'm not so sure if they are really feeling blue or also nursing a social anxiety disorder. It is starting to look like they are feeling all the meaning to the word of being sad. Now, it seems so pathetic to have Filipinos beg for whatever they aspire for because they are not okay.

Communication scholar Dr. Jose Lacson pointed out that a Filipino's behaviour is to be the victim of deprivation-deservation syndrome. This means that they always find ways to justify their need to be given free things. The concept of thinking "sayang" or looking at missed opportunities as a waste and asking for "libre" or free things has been embedded in our system. We are low-key beggars who think we can all get away with this word: Free.

Having freedom would be another thing but you get the picture.  Our friends at work would love to hangout if they get to enjoy the experience for free. As said, the best things in life are free. Yet businesses don't operate on a daily basis living off free overhead expenses. There are bills to pay, people to feed, and other aspects to spend on. While it is good to help and cheer each other up, there are always  limits.

I guess it is time for that gimmick to stop. We can all be happy and not rely on some store's free products to make us happy. Remember that we chart our own life. Blaming our misery on others would only deepen the wound. Taking accountability is hard but is also liberating that what it seems to be.

You know what, we can stop being sad and get on with our lives. There are so many things to do, let us focus on those instead.