In the heart of downtown Toronto, it’s common to encounter individuals deeply engrossed in political thoughts. Tonya Facey, expressing her views to CBC News, highlighted the pervasive stress surrounding politics. Jamie Haynes, a visitor from St. John’s, echoed similar concerns about the political landscape, particularly mentioning the ongoing conflict involving Donald Trump and Canada.
Experts suggest that events like the trade war with the U.S., upcoming Alberta referendum and Quebec election, and global conflicts can trigger stress among the public. The impact of political decisions on daily life and disagreements leading to conflicts are additional sources of worry.
The concept of political stress has emerged as a significant area of study, gaining prominence after the 2016 U.S. presidential election. In Canada, researchers, including political scientists and mental health experts, are actively examining the effects of political stress on individuals’ well-being.
Amanda Friesen, a Canada Research Chair in Political Psychology at Western University, launched the Body Politics Lab to explore how politics affects people emotionally and physically. Studies conducted by the lab, such as one involving undergraduate students tracking their reactions to political content on social media, revealed heightened negative emotional responses.
Discussing the need for a healthy balance, Friesen emphasized the importance of understanding how political stress impacts personal health and democracy. Noah Vanderhoeven, another researcher, suggested that individuals can strike a balance between staying informed and maintaining healthy habits. Engaging in political action and civic participation can also help individuals cope with political anxieties.
However, navigating political news and social media can be challenging for some, leading to increased stress levels. Dr. Allison Crawford, a psychiatrist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, noted a rise in inquiries related to political stress on Canada’s national 9-8-8 suicide crisis hotline. Symptoms reported include sleep disturbances, feelings of overwhelm, and helplessness.
Recognizing these symptoms is crucial, according to Crawford, who advises seeking support from trusted individuals. Managing news consumption and social media exposure can be effective strategies to reduce stress levels. Recent headlines on the trade war with the U.S. have further exacerbated political stress among Canadians, with uncertainty and anxiety prevailing.
Amidst these concerns, individuals like Amélie Valois express apprehension about the impact of political events on daily life, emphasizing the need to navigate these stressors effectively.