What shouldn't happen to you if you get stuck with La Casa de Los Famosos

If you're one of those people who needs to be glued to your cell phone or television for more than three hours a day to know what's going on in it”reality show” You love it so much that, to add to it, your diet, hours of sleep and the time you devote to work and family are affected… Stop and slow down because the entertainment program may be causing you anxiety.

Dr. Monserrate Allende, coordinator of the PAS line, warned of this Mental Health and Addiction Services Administration (Assmca), a service available 24 hours a day – 365 days a year – includes a relief session, crisis counseling, emotional support and preliminary screening at psychological, psychiatric and psychosocial levels.

“Puerto Ricans are very supportive of artists and athletes. Watching these series – as happens in other events – evokes that feeling. This is not to say that reality shows have negative connotations because they are entertainment for the public. But there may be some dangers for some who limit their work and responsibilities to watching the 'show'. . For example, when you lose time allotted to 'the show' – stop eating, cut back on responsibilities at work or with your family, and replace your emotions with a negative mindset. Well, you need to stop and seek professional help,” Allende said.

If the former situation occurs – and “stressful and compulsive” behaviors are determined – he explained, the person is “compounding problems and already having an emotional weakness and they may have been triggered while watching the 'reality show'”.

Currently, the plan is causing a collective outrage in Puerto Rico. The House of Fame (Telemundo), Puerto Rican women participate MARIA DEL PILAR RIVERA (Maribili) and Patricia Corsino. The “reality show” is a coexistence competition where the “residents” of the house live under one roof for four months in an environment full of intrigue, emotional challenges, hatreds and reconciliations. Each week, participants nominate each other and try to eliminate one of the residents. Instead, it's the public who vote to decide who will be eliminated from the competition week after week. The winner of the reality show wins a $200,000 prize. Last year, the winner of the event — which allows participants to be watched 24 hours a day by cameras scattered throughout the house — was Puerto Rican and former Miss Universe Puerto Rico, Madison Anderson Perios.

“But, I repeat, most of these fans are watching these shows for a good time. They are people who identify with these artists, who know them well through that realistic effect and who sympathize or identify with their struggles and triumphs. And that's not bad, because for many it takes them out of their routine. It's exhausting, and they see it as entertainment. Once the show is over, they go back to their daily routines,” he asserted.

He insisted that the situation raises a “red flag” when reality is distorted by visuals. “If it becomes an addiction, there is a problem, because addiction is a psycho-emotional disease that creates dependence and the person has difficulty controlling that behavior. A person tries to reduce the time they spend watching the show, but they don't succeed. Any behavior when control is lost becomes an addiction. “It's important to clarify that change. That's where problems come in with chores, school, work and relationships with your partner or family,” said the human behavior expert.

He pointed out that when humans experience something that motivates them, the brain releases dopamine, a chemical associated with pleasure. “It's a substance that gives us the ability to experience emotions,” he said.

What if the “red flags” associated with being attracted to a reality show are identified?

“It's important to seek help. “You can call the PAS line 24 hours a day, every day of the week, where a counselor, social worker, psychologist will help you express your emotions… and work through that anxiety or stress appropriately,” he explained. The toll-free line is 1-800-981- 0023 or by dialing 988. At this time, he clarified that the PAS line has not received any calls from people identifying it as a trigger for an episode.

Among the immediate measures to address the situation, reducing the connection time to social networks or television stands out. “The idea is to spend no more than four hours a day. Setting an alarm will help maintain that control,” the expert said.

“The technician will map the condition and perform a thorough screening of the client to determine the triggers and program that have led to the weakness. The clinician will then develop an intervention plan tailored to the individual's needs. The problem is not 'reality', but the obsession that causes the client to risk and neglect their daily life and responsibilities. “It's important to highlight the triggers that led,” Allende said.