Election stress can be toxic. Here’s how to deal with it : NPR

It’s a bipartisan sentiment: Americans of both parties are feeling the stress of this election.

According to a survey by the American Psychological Association, 8 in 10 Republicans and Democrats list politics as their top stressor.

That sentiment may be at its peak in the election cycle today, as perhaps the most dramatic presidential election in modern history is decided.

From this summer’s assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, to Vice President Harris taking over the Democratic ticket, to concerns that political polarization and threats of violence will continue after the election. A lot has happened this year.

Dr. Joshua Stein, a psychiatrist in Minnesota’s Twin Cities area, said people are now more aware of these events and other situations in the world, which is causing stress. Morning paper.

“And what we’re seeing is that many people may actually have stressors that they can’t do anything about, unlike they did 30, 50, 100 years ago. That means there is,” Stein said.

He added that constant news can make people feel helpless, especially around this year’s elections.

“When we get to that point, we need to recognize what we can do to center ourselves and return to wisdom,” Stein said.

So how should we recognize and deal with the stress of this election?

If stress starts to affect your appetite, sleep habits, and how you care for yourself and your family, “it’s probably a sign that this worry is becoming harmful to you,” Stein says. “So you start saying, ‘What are my limits?’ When should I put my phone to sleep mode?”

Stein recommends immersing yourself in a “local environment where things don’t feel so conflicting, where things don’t feel like they’re at a boiling point,” and embrace the moment.

“You can go outside and see the leaves start to change, take your dog for a walk, or watch someone do art on the street corner,” Stein added.

Children are beginning to absorb the stress of the election from their parents and other adults. That’s why Stein urges adults to take a step back and look at history.

“Even though we have one president after another in our country, the world goes on. So when I talk to parents, that’s one of the things I really want them to address with their kids. ”

The audio version of this story was produced by Mansee Khurana and edited by Allie Schweitzer. Digital version edited by Treye Green.