Politics, especially during the lead-up to a major election, can negatively impact your emotional well-being. But this reality doesn’t get the attention it deserves.
But why not? Society has come to accept as real the phenomenon known as the “Holiday Blues,” those fits of depression that befall individuals—for various reasons—during the holiday season (November through January).
Additionally, healthcare professionals and laypersons have discovered during the winter months globally, but especially in cities and countries with long, dreary fall/winter weather seasons, a level of sadness is induced in thousands of people. It’s called “seasonal affective disorder (SAD)” and it brings about mood changes, often characterized by feelings of depression, that can be triggered by the shorter daylight hours and less sunlight during winter months.
So, it only makes sense that political seasons that bring with them an avalanche of negative, even hateful ads running non-stop; endless political commentary via cable news stations, and politicians attacking their rival political parties as if they are mortal enemies rather than fellow citizens who happen to have different views on how to improve society and deal with its challenges, would impact us negatively.
Indeed, the onslaught of cut-throat political “conversations” is taking its toll on our well-being, according to a research article shared by the National Institute of Health’s National Library of Medicine.
The article “Politics is Making Us Sick” states, “Large numbers of Americans reported politics takes a significant toll on a range of health markers—everything from stress, loss of sleep, or suicidal thoughts to an inability to stop thinking about politics and making intemperate social media posts.”
“Uncertainty about our future and recent memories of a not-so-peaceful transition of power, may stir a sense of stress and anxiety for many,” said noted psychologist Dr. Carolyn Clansy Miller, an alumna of the University of Houston, Texas Southern University and the illustrious Willowridge High School.
Clansy Miller suggested multiple ways of managing anxiety—engaging in meditation, taking deep breaths, exercising, journaling, spending time in nature and listening to music. Still, she added: “It’s important to remember that anxiety can also be a call to action and harnessing this energy during the election season can be a powerful way to channel and relieve stress.”
Healthcare professionals and average citizens suggest the following actions to help alleviate the negative impacts of “Political Season Stress” (aka “Election Depression”).
UNPLUG
Step away from social media, or at least give yourself scheduled breaks from the non-stop scrolling that ends up driving you crazy with every political article or post that comes your way.
“Balance is key. Stay informed, focused, and mindful, but also unplug from the political rhetoric and protect your peace,” stated Clansy Miller.
REDUCE TV CONSUMPTION
It does little good to put down your cellphone if you continue to watch the same amount of cable news, which is just as guilty of dumping nonstop stories about political issues, mainly about the friction between political parties and their nonstop attacks on one another.
“I purposely limit the amount of news I watch,” said TSU alumna Adrianne Walker. “I love being informed. I have to know what’s going on in the world. But not at the expense of my well-being.”
Walker says she monitors her stress levels when watching cable news and knows when to turn it off and move on to something more uplifting.
GET OUT IN NATURE
Take a walk in the park, or at least outside somewhere. Low Vitamin D is a U.S. epidemic because most people don’t get enough sun. This reality can only put you in a precarious position to feel more stressed out and less in control. But when combined with the stresses and feelings of anxiety that come with national elections, your well-being is in jeopardy.
Walking (one of the most beneficial forms of exercise) has proven to be a stress reliever. So, too, is just being outside in nature. Moreover, exposure to the sun and Vitamin D gives your mind, body, and spirit a positive charge; one that can ward off the stresses of political debates.
CHANGE THE SUBJECT
Avoid stress-inducing conversations about politics. Find something beyond election season issues to chat about. This move can do wonders for your overall state of mind.
One powerful way to change the subject is to change your actions.
“Engage in activities that propel you to take meaningful action, but balance by engaging in activities that slow you down, restore your spirit, and calm your central nervous system through subtle pleasures like long walks, warm baths, and time with family and friends,” said Clansy Miller.
GET IN COMMUNITY
Human beings were created to be social animals. Regardless of all the lone wolf talk and glorification of “rugged individualism,” we need each other to survive. Every aspect of human life, emotionally, biologically, and spiritually, is better when we are in a community. Whether that community is your faith congregation, a civic club, a community center, or the crew you hook up with weekly at the local gym, it matters not. What does matter, is being connected to other people consistently. Doing the lone wolf things is bad enough in general, but it’s even worse during heightened political seasons.
“Lean on community. Don’t go to the polls alone. Grab a friend and create a day that celebrates our gratitude for the right to vote, acknowledges our history of resilience, and reflects the hope of our infinite capacity for change,” shared Clansy Miller.
