The presidential election is causing Americans mounds of stress, according to new survey results. Lynn Bufka, associate executive director for practice research and policy at the American Psychological Association (APA), explained, “We’re seeing that it doesn’t matter whether you’re registered as a Democrat or Republican — U.S. adults say they are experiencing significant stress from the current election.”
“Election stress becomes exacerbated by arguments, stories, images and video on social media that can heighten concern and frustration, particularly with thousands of comments that can range from factual to hostile or even inflammatory,” Bufka added.
Advertisement
To save yourself from the discomfort, experts suggest limiting your exposure to anything that has to do with the debates, presidential campaign, and elections.
The survey found that 52 percent of American adults over the age of 18 attribute the presidential election to their stress levels.
Another 38 percent said that political and cultural discussions on social media cause them stress. Men and women were equally found to experience stress associated with the upcoming election.
Only 45 percent of those born between 1965 to 1980 report the election is causing them stress, compared to 60 percent of those born prior to 1946.
Here are some tips by the APA to help reduce election-related stress:
- Take a digital break: Turn off news feeds, TVs, or any other source of election news and instead do something you enjoy.
- Avoid discussing the election, especially if you know it will cause a heated debate.
- Instead of worrying about the debate, take notes on the issues you care about and maybe take action by volunteering your time in your local community.
- Above all, vote.
Mohan Garikiparithi got his degree in medicine from Osmania University (University of Health Sciences). He practiced clinical medicine for over a decade before he shifted his focus to the field of health communications. During his active practice he served as the head of the Dept. of Microbiology in a diagnostic centre in India. On a three-year communications program in Germany, Mohan developed a keen interest in German Medicine (Homoeopathy), and other alternative systems of medicine. He now advocates treating different medical conditions without the use of traditional drugs. An ardent squash player, Mohan believes in the importance of fitness and wellness.
