Managing Political Stress

Causes of Political Stress

• Media Overload

  Social media, round-the-clock news and information, and constant updates can quickly become overwhelming, adding to already-frayed nerves. When you add in the high stakes of changes in government leadership, it becomes even more stressful.

  Media overload can cause exhaustion, a sense of helplessness or hopelessness, frustration, and confusion. For many, it can even cause anger.

• Polarization

  Where once it was easy to find common middle ground, people were happy to agree to disagree, and differing opinions warranted respect, today, political discourse is more divisive than it is a healthy discussion. The resulting “us vs. them” mentality can breed fear and exacerbate feelings of anxiety over the outcome of the future.

• Uncertainty/Loss of Control

  Changes in political administration can bring about feelings of uncertainty about leadership, policies or the future. It can be an uncomfortable feeling to have little to no control over the laws and decisions that affect you directly. Feelings of being targeted or marginalized by political issues can be unsettling or stressful, and when fear of the unknown arises, it can be gravely anxiety-provoking.