WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — If you are feeling stressed during this election cycle, wellness experts say you may be experiencing political anxiety.
According to the American Psychological Association, a Pew poll conducted in February 2024 showed 65% of U.S. adults always or often feel exhausted by politics and 55% always or often feel angry by it.
The organization said political stress leads to sleep loss, shortened tempers and obsessive thoughts.
DC News Now’s Wellness Wednesday life and mental health coach, Cheryl Bridges, said sometimes fear of the unknown plays a big role in political stressors.
“Sometimes we feel the uncertainty of not being able to control the outcome, we don’t know what the outcome is going to be, and it also results from that feeling of helplessness or powerlessness meaning does my vote really county so that does trigger a lot of anxiety,” explained Bridges.
When you get triggered, Bridges said to breathe in for five seconds, hold it for two seconds, and then breathe out slowly for seven seconds.
Bridges encourages the public to verify information, organize a plan, talk respectfully, and engage in self-care activities during this political season.
As many continue to navigate political anxiety, Harvard University is offering a free online forum on Oct. 22. The event will kick off at 1 p.m. and feature several speakers including John Della Volpe, Director of Polling, Institute of Politics, Harvard Kennedy School, Chris Chanyasulkit, Immediate Past President of the American Public Health Association and more.
To learn more information about the forum, visit Havard University’s website.
