Coping with long-term stress can take as long as the exposure to it.
The frenetic pace of work had a drastic impact on the health of former Prime Minister Sanna Marin. When the body works at a high intensity for too long, it can lead to physical symptoms.
In her book, Toivo on ketokja (The Pain of the Stomach), Marin discusses back pain, temporary vision loss, stomach problems, and weight loss. At times, Marin could not recognize faces or read text. Her health deteriorated significantly during the pandemic.
Emeritus Professor and neuroscientist Hasse Karlsson has observed all of these symptoms. According to Karlsson, it is difficult to distinguish whether the causes are psychological or physical. Karlsson refers to these as conversion symptoms.
There can be paralysis in the limbs or sudden vision loss without any apparent physical explanation. The cause could be chronic stress or a traumatic experience.
The professor was shocked by Lipponen’s schedule.
Even during Paavo Lipponen’s term (1995-2003), the prime minister’s pace was breakneck. Research professor Jari Hakanen, from the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, recalls being astonished when he was asked to examine Lipponen’s weekly schedule.
The position of Prime Minister is extremely demanding, and the task requires exceptional individuals.
“Yes, you were undoubtedly selected as prime minister because you are truly resilient, strong, and prepared for all kinds of challenges, the magnitude, and the demands of the job.”
In his book, Marin also discusses the disputes within the government and how he didn’t always receive support, even from his own parliamentary group.
“It seems that the prime minister wasn’t exhausted in the strictest sense of the word. Rather, his body reacted strongly and finally told him he couldn’t go on any longer,” says Hakanen.
The end result is his resignation.
” Marin’s term as prime minister was exceptional in many ways. The coronavirus brought Finland to a standstill in the spring of 2020, and Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine began in 2022. His coalition partners have claimed that Marin governed during the pandemic by shouting.
“When your strength isn’t enough for everything that’s required, psychophysical symptoms such as recurring headaches, irritability, and aggression can appear,” says Hakanen.
Marin ran in the 2023 parliamentary elections as the leader of the SDP, but as early as September 2023, he resigned his seat in Parliament.
Neuroscientist Hasse Karlsson estimates that recovery from chronic stress can take a long time.
If it took a couple of years to detect, it will also take about the same amount of time to recover.
