Research has confirmed what we already knew in our bodies: This election is completely stressing us out.
Approximately 52 percent of Americans say the presidential race is a “somewhat or very significant source of stress,” according to a new survey published by the American Psychological Association.
The organization polled more than 3,500 adult participants and found that a variety of confrontation-related factors contributed to rising anxiety levels.
“Election stress becomes exacerbated by arguments, stories, images and video on social media that can heighten concern and frustration,” said Lynn Bufka, the APA’s associate executive director for practice research and policy, in a statement. “Particularly with thousands of comments that can range from factual to hostile or even inflammatory.”
Of course, the findings come as no surprise given the circumstances of this particular election and the rhetoric surrounding it. Research shows exposure to negative news can have a detrimental effect on viewers’ mental health.
Case in point: The recent stories surrounding Republican nominee Donald Trump and his misogynistic comments and misconduct toward women. On Wednesday, The New York Times published accounts of two women who alleged Trump sexually assaulted them in the past. A People magazine writer also published a story about an incident in 2005 where Trump forced himself on her when she was a reporter.
This resulted in a barrage of news coverage, some that contained a severe lack of compassion for the victims, which can been triggering for those who have experienced sexual assault. That has the potential to take a toll on wellbeing.
Take first lady Michelle Obama, for example. Obama discussed Trump in an emotional speech in New Hampshire on Thursday, where she slammed his behavior and attitude toward women.
“The shameful comments about our bodies. The disrespect of our ambitions and intellect. The belief that you can do anything you want to a woman,” she said. “It is cruel. It is frightening. And the truth is, it hurts. It hurts.”
The stress surrounding the presidential race isn’t a partisan issue: According to the APA researchers, the increase in anxiety spans across party lines. The 55 percent of registered Democrats and 59 percent of Republicans polled equally said that it’s a source of stress.
This election arguably carries some of the highest stakes in recent history, so it’s natural to physiologically react to that pressure. However, there are ways to keep this brutal election cycle from completely wrecking your wellbeing. Research shows prolonged stress ― yes, like the kind associated with this race ― can influence both physical and mental health.
Below are a few tips on how to exercise self-care and manage election stress until November 8:
“Take a break from Facebook, from your TV, from your apps,” she advised. “Unplugging is super important.”
“There are still a lot of wonderful things happening in the world and people making positive change,” Smith said. “That’s hard to remember when candidates rip each other apart, so actively remind yourself of that.”
“There have been contentious elections before, and we got thorough them and we will this time, too,” Smith explained. “Perspective is important when it comes to stress.”
"In a democracy, a citizen’s voice does matter. By voting, you will hopefully feel you are taking a proactive step and participating in what for many has been a stressful election cycle," the APA advised.
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