Humans have always disagreed and engaged in conflict. That includes the United States, which has endured its own share of historical turmoil. Even as we progress beyond the circumstances of former American eras, the movement for justice, equality and representation for all continues into today.
Mental health has likewise been a steady factor of our human condition. Until recent decades, we – including scientists and medical professionals – didn't fully understand it. Diagnoses could at times be misinformed and speculative; treatments could be experimental at best.
While we've become more socially aware of mental health in the last 25 years, recent reports indicate rates of suicide, depression, stress and anxiety in the U.S. are higher than ever before.
So what is still happening to us? With more attention given to mental health, we would think we are learning how to stem the tide. Yet to the contrary, mental wellness has been declining with increasing velocity.
We can see this particularly when we find ourselves viewing the world as "right" or "left" or "red" or "blue," including here in Oswego, Aurora, Plainfield and Naperville (IL).
Many of us understand the impact of technology, the internet and social-media culture on our fraying emotions. Divisive politics have likewise emerged as a major source of our stress.
Politically induced stress can trigger a flurry of feelings such as worry, sadness, despair, contempt, frustration and rage. It also can create compassion fatigue. Other common symptoms of political stress are sleep problems, quicker tempers and obsessive thoughts. It can make some of us more confrontational too.
In a 2024 survey by the American Psychological Association (APA), the nation's future was identified as the top cause of significant stress among adults (77%). The same survey revealed that the tense U.S. political climate made 40% of respondents consider moving to a different country (41%) or state (39%).
More than two-thirds (69%) also pointed out that the 2024 presidential election caused them notable stress. By comparison, 52% had indicated the 2016 presidential election caused them the same.
In another survey related to the 2024 election, 51% of respondents (and 66% of LGBTQ+) said they felt the outcome could impact their personal safety. The survey also showed that 49% of respondents answered "yes" to whether it was harder to be friends with those who associated with the other political party for the 2024 election.
Thirty percent identified having lost friends because of political views and one-third indicated that differing views have strained family relationships.
Illinois presents a distinct context in that while it registers as a blue state, much of the area beyond Chicago and the collar counties identifies as red. A larger concentration of liberal voters occupies the state's northeast region, where some conservatives may feel isolated and outnumbered.
Conversely, Democrats in Oswego, Aurora, Plainfield and Naperville – and elsewhere in the state – might be distressed about the national political shift, inclining them to insulate from conservative views even more.
News media have always relied on sensationalism to generate greater attention ("If it bleeds, it leads"). Daily reporting of violence, fraud, poverty, corruption, accidents and natural disasters each day is enough to challenge mental health.
When we add amplified political views that are opposing, the falling anvil only gains weight and imposes on our sense of safety.
Just a few decades ago, we might have received our news from the morning paper, AM radio stations and the local evening broadcast. Today, we also have 24-hour access to news through our phones, computers, streaming and cable TV. In this way, some news has become entertainment reinforced by an increasing attachment to anger and fear.
One 2023 study found negative words in news headlines increased user consumption rates online, especially in topics like government and the economy. Other research has shown a relationship between emotions such as anger and fear and increased online-sharing behavior.
News sources are able to target, shape and cater to highly partisan audience segments with content that affirms instead of informs belief according to an ideology. Sophisticated algorithms feed us steady diets of similar content instead of that which is more varied.
These algorithms have been so effective in segmenting information that one political view can come to see the other's as inferior, immoral and worthy of contempt. As a result, we disparage, block, cancel and attack those who disagree with us.
These factors also tie into our evolutionary biases to compare ourselves against others as a survival strategy. Instead of groups that seek compromise in the middle, we have those that define "for" and "against" according to intensely shared views.
If we bond more tightly with our identified group, our sense of safety can grow in the face of the other group. If we speak out and disagree with our group about something, we can be excluded from it, triggering a type of survival panic. Our politics can turn into more than how we believe society should operate: They can also become our identity.
Here at Empowered Life Therapy, we've seen how election stress and political blame-throwing are affecting our clients from Oswego, Aurora, Plainfield and Naperville. The stress among family, friends, neighbors, co-workers and classmates is real.
The question becomes how we can bring ourselves back to balance in an atmosphere of widespread contention. The answer is that we can still depend on the most accessible, viable filter of all: ourselves.
The next time you start to feel political anxiety building inside you, consider some of the ways you can defuse and manage it through your own mindful actions.
Curb time with news. Keeping current with the news is fine; becoming burdened by it is not. Oddly enough, when we feel greater stress and anxiety, our tendency can be to seek more of it. You might try limiting your exposure to news to a set amount of time per day or week. Avoid absorbing the news late at night
Recognize the nature of news. Not all news is equal in perspective and content. Some sources leverage political angst to secure loyal viewers who then receive only what they might expect from the source. Be aware of what's being conveyed by 24/7 news networks, sensationalist and tabloid-style outlets, and news that resounds in the echo chambers of social media. News should inform you, not make you feel enraged.
Shape your own measured perspective. Having our views constantly validated might feel good, but it doesn't contribute to making us adept at compromise and understanding other people's experiences. Seek information from sources that consistently rank as closer to the center than to one pole or the other. We can also keep ourselves open to news from viewpoints beyond just our own.
Reframe your emotions. We don't always recognize how much control we can have over our mood. Self-regulating our emotions can reduce our stress. When we're feeling angry or agitated by politics, we can redirect our feelings toward compassion, admiration, inspiration and gratitude. We can choose to focus on what we're learning from what's happening now and how that can make us people who don't let ourselves be steered by negative energy.
Exercise. Research indicates that aerobic activity can be as helpful as medication to our mood. If you're self-motivated, get on the treadmill or go for a brisk walk. If you benefit from extra motivation, ask a workout partner to join you. Moving our body is much better for our well-being than spending time scrolling the news on our phone.
Breathe, meditate, pray. Being still, breathing deeply, clearing our mind and spirit, and connecting with our higher power are all ways to restore inner tranquility. We can also achieve relaxation through activities such as stretching, yoga, time with pets and listening to inspiring music. Whether toward news-based stress or mindful tranquility, our body will follow where we direct our mind and spirit to go.
Political stress and anxiety really can become overwhelming. Mindful self-care is a meaningful first step toward breaking its hold of our thoughts.
In some cases, you or someone you care about might also benefit from compassionate, trained support from specialists who are politically impartial, who understand how you feel and who can support you with the cognitive tools for greater peace of mind.
The professional counselors at Empowered Life Therapy offer a safe and confidential space for discussing your thoughts and gaining new perspectives toward a balanced, healthy outlook. We can be an extra compass for finding the way forward you seek.
To find out more about our therapy and counseling services for Oswego, Aurora, Plainfield and Naperville (IL), give us a call today at (630) 842-6585. We welcome you just as you are.
Kasey Huff