Politics has always been a significant cause of stress and anxiety, especially at the local level. But in recent years, political discourse has sharply deteriorated, and stress levels have reached new heights. As we attempt to make sense of complex global forces and intense opinions, we can all feel the strain of increased political stress. In this article, we take a look at why politics has become so stressful, and what we can do about it.
Globalization of Politics
Part of the reason politics has become so stressful is the increased global integration of politics. With the advance of technology, events that were once limited to a localized area may now have an effect on the entire planet. This means that when an event occurs, it can quickly spread and become part of the national and international dialogue. This intensity can be overwhelming.
Furthermore, global media, like television, and the internet, has made it increasingly easy to access information and be part of political debates. We now consume stories from all over the world, sometimes in real-time and can get into arguments with people from different corners of the world. All of this can add up to a significant amount of stress and anxiety.
Heightened Political Tensions
Partisan tensions have been intensifying for years now, and the current US political climate is one of the most tense in recent memory. While debates between opposing parties have always been part of the political process, today’s debates are harsher than ever. Partisan politics have become more extreme, and the level of vitriol and animosity between factions has become more intense.
In addition, there have been a number of high-profile events in recent years that have further elevated political tensions, such as the Trump presidency, the Brexit referendum, and the riots in the UK Parliament. All of these events have made it harder to remain calm in political debates and arguments and has left many feeling stressed and anxious.
Ineffective Response to the Crisis
Moreover, many people have become increasingly concerned about the politicians’ inability to respond effectively to the various political and economic crises that have arisen in recent years. From the US Presidential election results, to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, many have become frustrated with the lack of consensus and the lack of action from political elites. This has led to heightened stress and anxiety amongst many, often leading to even greater levels of polarization.
Exacerbating Factors
Finally, a number of social media and technology platforms have enabled people to express their opinions without restraint. Individuals can now share their thoughts with the world in an instant, without facing any consequences or repercussions. This has enabled a hostile forms of discourse. Often without fail, when certain topics are brought up, there is an avalanche of angry and extreme comments, leading to emotional exhaustion and debilitating levels of stress.
The Way Forward
Given the intensity of today’s political discussions, it is essential that we recognize the signs of heightened political stress and anxiety and work to counter its effects. Here are a few tips that we can all use to reduce our political stress:
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Limit exposure to news and social media: Too much news and social media can be detrimental to our mental health. To avoid getting overwhelmed, it is important to restrict the amount of time we spend consuming information.
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Take time to relax: Being able to relax in between intense political debates and arguments is essential for feeling recharged. Taking a walk, listening to music, or spending time with friends and family can help us relax and refocus.
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Engage in constructive debates: Consuming media without questioning can be harmful. If possible, take part in well-informed discussions and debates so that you can understand the issue better while still feeling safe and in control.
Politics has always been a source of stress, but in recent years, the intensity of political discourse has reached new levels. Global events, heightened tensions due to partisan politics, the ineffective response to crises, and the unrestricted nature of social media platforms are all contributing factors to increased levels of stress and anxiety. While there is no easy fix to the problem, we can take proactive steps to reduce our exposure to stress, take time to relax, and engage in constructive debates. By following these steps, we can keep our stress levels under control and gain a better understanding of the issues that affect us.
