In the heart of Toronto, discussions on politics are prevalent among residents. Tonya Facey expressed how politics has become a significant source of stress for many individuals due to its omnipresence in daily life and the multitude of ongoing political events, such as the trade war with the U.S., Alberta referendum, Quebec election, and global conflicts.
Political stress has emerged as a distinct area of research, particularly following the 2016 U.S. presidential election, garnering attention from experts in Canada as well. Scholars in political science and psychology, along with mental health professionals, are delving into the impact of political stress on individuals’ well-being.
Amanda Friesen, a Canada Research Chair in Political Psychology at Western University, established the Body Politics Lab to explore the physiological and emotional responses of individuals to political stimuli. Recent studies have shown that exposure to political content on platforms like TikTok can elicit negative emotions, prompting individuals to engage despite feeling adversely affected.
Finding a balance between staying informed and maintaining mental health in the realm of politics is crucial, as politics permeates daily life through social media and round-the-clock news coverage. Noah Vanderhoeven, a researcher at the Body Politics Lab, advocates for engaging in political action as a constructive response to political stress, emphasizing the importance of citizen involvement in fostering a robust democracy.
Dr. Allison Crawford, a psychiatrist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health overseeing Canada’s national 9-8-8 suicide crisis hotline, highlights the increasing number of individuals seeking support due to political stress. Symptoms like sleep disturbances, feelings of helplessness, and overwhelm are common among those experiencing political anxiety. Crawford emphasizes the importance of recognizing these signs, seeking support, and managing news consumption to mitigate stress levels.
The ongoing trade war with the U.S. has been a significant stressor for Canadians, especially with the actions of President Donald Trump impacting various aspects of daily life. The uncertainty surrounding political developments contributes to heightened anxiety levels, as observed by Amélie Valois, who expressed concerns about the implications of political decisions on personal matters like grocery bills and business operations.
