If politics are overwhelming you, join the club!
Do you feel this is taking a toll on your emotional state, and even your physical health?
Far from it, actually.
Verywell / Catherine Song
Here’s a survey from the American Psychological Association to prove it.
And if you’re not feeling this way, chances are that most people around you are too.
Conflict virtually always takes a heavier toll on us than most other forms of stress.
(See this piece aboutMaslow’s Hierarchy of Needsfor more on your belongingness needs.)
This can also bring more potentially divisive discussions to the fore.
The APA’s study explains more about this.
People deal with stress in many different ways.
Fortunately, there are steps you might take to manage your stress in times of political change.
Sometimes different views can come from a similar underlying principle.
Be open to hearing the other persons story, and maybe even validate how they are feeling.
Contact them and see how you could join their efforts.
Taking active steps to address your concerns can lessen feelings of stress.
American Psychological Association (2020).Stress in AmericaTM 2020: A National Mental Health Crisis.
2015;1(3):fso.15.21.
doi:10.4155/fso.15.21
American Psychological Association (APA).Managing stress related to political change.
