Posted by Garnet71 on February 24, 2009, at 22:56:51
I watched/listened as much as I could (I don't like scripted speeches). I had a mini-premonition that Obama was going to have mental health problems during his administration. I couldn't imagine how stressful his job may be; especially when the country is threatened by its economy (wonder what's going to happen to stock prices tomorrow). The economy just moved up to the #1 U.S. national security threat--down from the Global War on Terrorism (GWT) just weeks ago.
If you look at all the past presidents--before and after pictures--they really age intensely over 4 years. In Obama's case, he is so passionate and intense about 'fixing the country'; in a way that I see could be detrimental to his mental health. There are some people where a job is just a job, then others (in various fields) where their job must mean something; it must add to the public good. It must have virtue or strong utility; and such people merge the personal realm with their career realm. I am in this category, so I can relate to those feelings for anyone that is personaly connected to their work, as an extension of themself, rather than viewing it as a seperate entity from self.
Obama is doing a great job; I had some reservations about him, but am pleasantly surprised on several fronts. I think though, that he is trying to do too much too soon. He is trying to 'save everyone'; he seems to overextend himself. He feels personally connected to the country's success; it is intertwined with his psyche in such a way, that he may find himself in too deep. To have such traits is both a blessing and a curse, imo.
From observing the pre-election, I noticed he is sort of thin skinned. Most presidents and people in authority were/are more thick skinned. He takes criticism of his policies a bit too personally. He has left many clues as to this behavior.
Tonight he had the look of stress and burnout already. Much too soon. Although he was very poised and confident, I could see it in his eyes. One with that much intensity in their job cannot sustain that level in the long run. I can't help but think overachievement on steroids; and I think its linked to his relationship with his father. I think he's going to try too hard and burn out too soon. He seems to be the type that would feel personally responsible for all the country's shortcomings, and even if he did his best, he would self-blame for any failures. Those are wonderful character traits, but can be too emotional for the process.
Abraham Lincoln had mental health issues; I find it ironic that Obama is always compared to him--especially after tonight.
I wonder what would happen if the President falls ill to mental health issues? Would the Press hide it or would Biden take over and announce it to the counry? If the latter were the case, it would be helpful to all who have to contend with the mental illness stigma.
Obama exceled through Harvard Law; perhaps he is not predispositioned to mental illness. But then again he doesn't know his father well; perhaps not his genetic history well.
It's strange I kept thinking this tonight. I hope it doesn't happen, but in observing his personal attributes over the past year or so, in conjunction with assessing his personal belief systems, values, ideologies, character, and personality, I can't erase my thoughts about this.
Did anyone else notice anything off about him tonight? I hope my opinion is just 'out there', and that I am just overthinking. But I wonder...
poster:Garnet71
thread:882289
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20090209/msgs/882289.html