Anxiety. Fear. Stress. Overwhelmed. Anger. Apathy. Dread. Hopelessness.
These are some emotions, to name a few, that many of us are experiencing due to the upcoming US Presidential Election. It truly does not matter what side of the aisle you are on—most of us have been and are continuing to feel big feelings.
To give you a snapshot—a recent Pew poll in February of 2024 found that approximately 65% of American adults always or often felt “exhausted” by politics, and about 55% always or often felt angry. Various public opinion polls (like Gallup) and surveys done by the American Psychological Association (APA) have documented similar upwards trends in anxiety surrounding the election and political discourse. Now, enough of those pesky statistics and on to the good stuff.
It is no surprise that election stress in the U.S. has been particularly high, reflecting broader concerns about political polarization, instability, and the future direction of the nation in which we live. We do not love uncertainty, and this uncertainty has negative impacts on our health and well-being.
Cortisol, aka the “stress” hormone, is the main culprit. Brett Ford, a prominent professor from the University of Toronto explains, “In general, we know that chronic stress harms psychological well-being and physical well-being. It takes a toll on our bodies. There’s a strong case to be made that for many people, politics is a form of chronic stress.”
Here are some signs that you may be experiencing chronic stress:
Sleep issues (difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep)
Change in appetite (eating more or eating less)
“Short” temper, feeling “snappy” or irritable
Difficulty concentrating
Fatigue (like all the time even though you did not do anything out of your norm)
High blood pressure
Headaches
Chronic muscle tension (pain in the shoulder, neck, head, lower back)
Gastrointestinal issues
Nausea
Sexual + reproductive dysfunction
Social withdrawal
Honestly, the list goes on and on. This is why we in the biz say that “stress is literally a killer.”
That is why taking care of yourself (mentally, emotionally, and physically!) is super important. How, you ask? I got you.
Limit News Consumption: Set specific times to check news and social media to avoid feeling overwhelmed. It’s okay to be informed and honor your limits!! Give yourself permission.
Practice Self-Care: Engage in activities that help you relax and unwind, such as exercise, reading, or hobbies.
Exercise: No cons, just benefits. Exercise is the first line of defense against stress and is vital to our overall well-being. Like Nike said, “just do it”.
Focus on What You Can Control: Channel your energy into actions you can take, like voting, volunteering, or engaging in community efforts.
Mindfulness and Meditation: Practice mindfulness or meditation to manage stress and stay grounded.
Set Boundaries: It’s okay to take breaks from political discussions and social media if it becomes too overwhelming. Another reminder that it’s okay to honor your limits!!
Get Involved in Positive Actions: Engage in activities that promote positive change and contribute to causes you care about. Identify issues that align with your values and get on out there!
Connect with Others: Talk to your social support about your concerns and feelings. Social support can be comforting, because we are innately social beings after all!
Seek Professional Help: If stress becomes unmanageable, consider talking to a mental health professional for support.
References:
American Psychological Association. (2024). Managing political stress. Monitor on Psychology. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2024/10/managing-political-stress
American Psychological Association. (2023). Stress effects on the body. Retrieved July 30, 2024, from https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/bodyAmerican Psychological Association. (n.d.). Stress effects on the body. Retrieved July 30, 2024, from https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/body
American Psychological Association. (2022). Stress and political change. Retrieved July 30, 2024, from https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/political-change
Pew Trusts. (2024). Navigating the challenges of the U.S. political landscape. Pew Trusts. https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/trust/archive/winter-2024/navigating-the-challenges-of-the-us-political-landscape
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