Taking Care of Our Mental Health in Today's Political Climate

By Johana J. Lastor Montes, LMHC

If you’ve felt worn down or overwhelmed by news lately, you’re not alone. Politics are

everywhere these days – on our phones, at our workplaces, and even at the dinner table for

some. While it is crucial to stay informed, it is also important to admit: the constant stream of headlines and heated conversations can be exhausting.

Why do Politics Feel so Heavy?

In recent discoveries, the American Psychological Association has found that nearly two out of three adults in the United States of America (62%) say the current political climate is a

significant source of stress (APA, 2022). This means that stress can appear in different ways

such as trouble sleeping, increase of anxiety, angry outbursts, or getting sick easier due to a weak immune system (Mayo Clinic, 2023). All this means that we are humans, specifically human beings trying to live through challenging times.

Small Ways to Protect your Peace

So what can we do when our world feels overwhelming? The following are some ideas that can help:

● Be mindful of news – Scrolling for hours (or otherwise known as “doom scrolling”) rarely

makes us feel better. Try setting aside one or two times a day to check for updates and

then give yourself permission to step away.

● Find grounding in routine – Practicing simple things like cooking a favorite meal, taking

a walk, or calling a friend can be good reminders that life is more than headlines.

● Focus on what you can control – We can’t change everything. But we can make small

choices everyday that bring hope and connection.

● Give yourself permission to step back – If political conversations with family or friends

start to become overwhelming, it is okay to set a boundary. Protecting relationships often

means protecting boundaries too.

● Talk it out – Sometimes we need more than coping strategies, sometimes we need

someone to really listen. And that’s where seeking professional counseling services can

help.

You’re not alone, taking the step to talk to someone isn’t just about politics – it’s about protecting yourself and your mental health.

References:

- https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-symp

toms/art-20050987

- American Psychological Association. (2022). Stress in America 2022: Stress in the time

of COVID-19.https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress

- American Psychological Association. (2019). Stress in America: Stress and current

events.https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2019/stress-america-2019.pdf