Student holding papers, gracefully managing political stress | Photo by RDNE Stock project
Recently, in 2020, the world faced the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a disaster. It’s a truly devastating situation made worse by poor governance. The deaths, political turmoil, and everything that happened brought negative mental health effects.
All of a sudden, when we were yet to recover from the pandemic, George Floyd’s death under police custody happened, then the BLM movement, and then followed by the US elections. Everything just happened so fast! It’s so overwhelming.
And now, it’s election season. A new administration is on its way. What awaits our local citizens, international relations, and the world? These stressors boggle our mind, slowly crippling our sanity.
Let’s share our sentiments with Christina Trezevant McGriff in her poetry audiobook, “Simultaneously.” It’s a compelling audiobook that documents the fast-moving American experience during the pandemic, BLM, the 45th presidential administration, and how politics affect people.
May the things we unveiled in her book help us grow into a more responsible adult, and hopefully become more politically mature. To guide your journey, enjoy listening to “From Small to Tall,” another masterpiece of Christina McGriff. It’s a feel-good self-help book for your growth journey. Get a copy so you can have a piece of this wonderful keepsake.
Christina will make more literary gems soon. Kindly follow her social media to keep posted.
Back to our topic!
The Reality of Political Stress
What is political stress? It takes a pair of clear eyes to see what’s really going on to answer that question.
Every day, we hear a cycle of news about political issues. Economic instability, shaky social policies, declining healthcare access, and breach of civil rights are just pieces of a myriad of political events happening recently. These issues opened debates and pulled the strings for the puppets of polarization to dance.
The rise of divisive political climates amplified by our biases made more and more people anxious, angry, and frustrated—all of us, in fact. We’re emotionally exhausted; even the kids are affected. For how long should we face this agonizing political stress on a daily basis?
Signs of Political Stress
How does political stress manifest? Let’s try to cite a few examples of political stress.
Persistent worrying
Political news is so unpredictable. This is why we feel anxious every time we hear updates on political events and decisions. At times, even when we’re doing the things we usually do and enjoy, we experience persistent episodes of anxiety. Worrying about changes in politics makes it hard for us to relax.
In data speak, 74% of adults express concern that political outcomes could lead to violence, and 56% fear that the upcoming elections might threaten democracy itself.
Always preoccupied
Are you having persistent mental blocks? Is it hard for you to focus on your daily tasks? Most commonly, there might’ve been a time when you left the pot on the stove and burned the food you’re cooking. Distractions can come from preoccupation with political news. Check on yourself and your peers.
Anger and frustration
You’re so overwhelmed by anger and frustration that you lash out at people around you, especially your loved ones. Overexposure to political debates feeds negative energies. Those energies emit throughout your environment and just imagine how they affect others near you. Watch out!
How Politics Affect People, Especially Students
If politics takes a toll on the overall well-being of the general population, how much more to students? Dealing with mentally draining academic pressure is already stressful. Amplified by heated political issues, academic stress can worsen the already-persisting mental health problems among students.
According to a recent Gallup poll, 66% of college students experience stress. Besides taking exams, processing internship applications, and personal obligations, political issues are among the top stressors. They need help just as we do!
It’s easy to say we have to check on them. But given that we’re facing the same crises as they do, is it really doable?
On a positive note, we can reach out to them. A simple “How are you?” can start a healing conversation.
Helpful Coping Tips for Students
Dear students, how has it been? Quizzes, research papers, journals, exams, and class activities are just a lot to take in. And the never-ending cycle news of polarization resulting in conflicts and wars? How are we supposed to get by?
We’re in the same boat. These things going on are already affecting our mental health. It’s getting worse that we’re starting to get hostile against each other, and our relationships are getting broken.
How can we handle this?
1. News Break
Take a break from listening to the news. If possible, set specific times for news checking. Don’t expose yourself too much to issues and changes involving politics. As always, rely on credible news sources only. Set boundaries.
2. Prioritize Yourself
Divert your attention to exercising. Get enough sleep and have a balanced diet. Don’t forget to take care of yourself. They say, as you wash yourself, speak out the mantra, “I wash my head to clear my mind.” Try saying it thrice.
3. Build a Support System
Although it helps to stay in a circle of like-minded individuals, don’t make it exclusive. As much as possible, join healthy debates even on people from the opposing side. Their belief and principles may not align with yours, but surely there is still room for a healthy discourse. We can meet halfway.
Politics does not only affect adults, but also younger adults, teenagers, students, and even the little ones. Each one of us is affected by politics. As we choose our candidates for the seat, let’s remember that whoever we elect seals our future and the fate of the generations to come.
History will judge our actions today. But we can pray for the best.
- At the Crossroads: Politics, People, and Power - November 13, 2024
- Managing Political Stress Gracefully: Tips for Students - November 8, 2024
- The Mental Health Impact of COVID-19: Raising Awareness - October 15, 2024