Political Stress Disorder

Headlines, commentators, opinion pieces, exchanges on facebook, violence and hostility. Have things changed for you in the past 8-10 years? Are your stressed by politics? Were you divided on the mask mandate or vaccines? Do you suddenly need to know how someone votes? What was your take on Jan. 6?

No matter how you answer the questions or what side of the aisle you are on, these past years have increased a mounting level of stress for both sides of the political aisle. This stress is pouring into psychology offices all around the country and even the world. People are trying to find ways cope.

Due to my experience in meeting with people I often wonder what are the components that are causing so much distress. Psychologically speaking people don’t do well with extremes, unknowns, verbal threats or lack of safety. The stress response (fight/flight/freeze) exerts itself anytime we hold a ‘perception of threat’ leading to immediate automatic responses.

While the term "Political Stress Disorder" isn't officially recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), it accurately reflects the significant mental and emotional strain many people experience due to the current political climate. Here's a breakdown of the contributing factors and some coping strategies:

Why People Are Struggling

• Polarization: The political landscape is increasingly divided, with deep ideological rifts and a lack of common ground. This fosters animosity and makes constructive dialogue difficult.
• Demonization: Political opponents are often portrayed as enemies, stripped of their humanity and reduced to caricatures. This dehumanization fuels anger and resentment.
• Hostile Discord: Political discourse is often characterized by aggression, insults, and personal attacks, both online and offline. This creates a toxic environment where civil conversation is nearly impossible.
• Uncertainty: The constant barrage of political news, often filled with fear-mongering and uncertainty about the future, can be overwhelming and anxiety-provoking.
• Misinformation: The spread of false or misleading information further exacerbates tensions and fuels distrust in institutions and fellow citizens.
• Lack of control: This leads to feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. People feel that they don’t know how to influence what is happening around them. The danger to this is resignation.

What to Do About It

• Limit Exposure:
  • News Diet: Consciously curate your news intake. Avoid constant exposure to political news, especially from sources known for bias or sensationalism.
  • Social Media Detox: Take breaks from social media platforms where political arguments are frequent and often heated.
• Focus on Common Ground:
  • Seek out diverse perspectives: Engage in respectful dialogue with people who hold di?erent views. Look for areas of agreement and shared values. Engage in nonviolent communication and practice curiosity.
  • Focus on local issues: Engage in local politics and community activities. This can help you feel more connected and empowered to make a di?erence.
• Practice Self-Care:
  • Prioritize mental health: Engage in stress-reducing activities such as exercise, meditation, or spending time in nature.
  • Connect with loved ones: Spend quality time with friends and family who o?er support and
  • Limit political discussions: Set boundaries on political conversations, especially with those who tend to be argumentative or disrespectful.
• Promote Civility:
  • Model respectful behavior: In your own interactions, strive for civility and empathy, even when disagreeing with others.
  • Challenge misinformation: When you encounter false or misleading information, gently and respectfully challenge it with credible sources.
  • Support organizations that promote civil discourse: Consider supporting organizations that work to bridge political divides and foster constructive dialogue.

We do better when we look for the commonalities rather than the di?erences.

It's important to remember that you are not alone in this. Many people are struggling with the current political climate. By taking proactive steps to manage your exposure, prioritize self-care, and promote civility, you can better navigate these challenging times and maintain your mental and emotional well-being. If you need a safe place to talk, reach out to us anytime. Our skilled clinicians can help you to improve your ability to cope in what may feel like uncertain times.