It’s official. Donald Trump has returned to the White House as the 47th President of the United States.
If you find your stress levels skyrocketing when you think about it, you’re not alone. President Trump is a polarizing figure, and many Canadians and Americans are feeling extremely anxious.
But Trump 2.0 is not the only political wildcard keeping many of us up at night. President Trump’s initial pledge to impose a 25% tariff on all imports from Canada, his threats to annex Canada, the Panama Canal, and Greenland, and the complex question of who will be the next prime minister make the situation more pressing. Trade war with the US. Many of us are feeling upset, confused, and even depressed.
Political instability is real, affecting thousands of North Americans, and it’s getting worse, experts say.
October 2024 poll American Psychological Association The survey found that nearly three-quarters (69%) of U.S. respondents said they felt anxious heading into last November’s election, compared to 52% in 2016.
Similar studies have not been conducted in Canada, but Brett Ford, an associate professor of psychology at the University of Toronto who studies the link between emotions and political engagement, says many Canadians, like Americans, He says it’s reasonable to assume he’s tired and stressed. “There is a strong argument that for many people, politics is a form of chronic stress that is becoming increasingly difficult to cope with,” Professor Ford says.
The Globe and Mail recently asked readers to share how political turmoil on both sides of the border is affecting them. Nearly 100 people responded. Words such as scared, angry, tired, and worried about the future were commonly used.
Peter Cote, 68, a retired university professor and computer consultant in Sarnia, Ont., wrote: It’s definitely negatively affected my mood and outlook on life. ”
Fran McInchi, from Salt Spring Island, British Columbia, said: “I don’t like aggressive politics…The current situation creates anxiety, so I try to stay away from the media and focus on music and outdoor activities.” “I’m aiming for it,” he wrote.
Some people said that just thinking about politics causes stress. “My sleep has been affected,” wrote Matthew Robitaille of Welland, Ont. “I feel like I’m powerless, like I’m not in control of events.”
Kevin Smith, a political science professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln who studies how politics affects happiness, finds that politics can lead to a wide range of health outcomes, including insomnia and disrupted social relationships. He says there is growing evidence that it is having a negative impact. And in extreme cases, it can even lead to suicidal thoughts.
Professor Smith participated in three different national surveys in the United States, which revealed that; One in 20 adults report being so worried about politics that they have considered suicide..
“When we first investigated it, we found it so shocking that we were hesitant to report it,” he says. “I thought it must have been a sampling error. But I replicated this result three times and got the same result. I’m not a clinician, but from my perspective, the data doesn’t reflect political anxiety. suggests that this is a serious public health problem.”
Lindsay Ryan, a licensed psychotherapist in Hamilton, Ont., says she hears about political unrest every day in her private practice. “My patients tell me all the time how stressed out they feel about the world and how difficult it is for them to cope with daily life,” she says.
But Ryan and other experts say there are ways to manage political instability. Here are four suggestions to protect your mental health and move forward positively.
1. Limit your news consumption
The 24-hour news cycle is designed to keep you on high alert at all times. “Don’t take the bait,” Ryan says. “None of us need to be exposed that often.” Psychotherapists find one or two reliable news sources to stay informed and set boundaries for how much time they spend online. We recommend that you set . Ford, the psychology professor, agrees. “If you find yourself using your device a lot and compulsively checking the latest news and getting frustrated, limit yourself to 30 minutes a day, or even less. Sho.”
2. Let your emotions be.
To become a resilient person, Ryan says, you need to acknowledge your troubling emotions and learn how to deal with them. “They may be uncomfortable and it may make you feel bad, but you have to give them some space.” Seeing things in the news that make you feel sad, angry or helpless She adds that it’s important to understand that it’s a valid human response if you do. Learning how to manage difficult emotions increases your tolerance for discomfort and helps you cope the next time disturbing news comes your way.
3. Focus on what you can control
Most of what happens in domestic and world politics is outside of our personal control. Smith, the political science professor, recommends prioritizing your personal well-being by engaging in things you enjoy and can control, such as hobbies, exercise, and volunteering in local politics. Ford agrees that participation is empowering. “You may feel like no matter what you do, nothing will change,” she says. “But every contribution from everyone does make an impact. Participating makes you feel like you have a voice, too.”
4. Find a community
Ryan recommends turning to friends, family, and community groups for laughs and distractions during stressful times. Share your thoughts and feelings with people you trust who will listen without judgment. “They’re likely feeling the same way you do, which will make you feel less alone,” she says. Smith agrees that social connections are one of the most powerful ways to protect your mental health. “Getting out of your bubble and engaging with other people with different political beliefs, or just gaining more knowledge about politics and government and how it works, may have some preventative effect.”
