In the heart of Toronto, individuals are readily engaged in discussions surrounding politics. Tonya Facey expressed her concerns about the current political climate, highlighting the ubiquitous nature of politics in daily life and the multitude of ongoing political events.
Jamie Haynes, a visitor from St. John’s, echoed similar worries, especially citing the trade war with the U.S. and the political landscapes in Alberta and Quebec as major stress triggers identified by researchers. Political decisions impacting daily routines and disagreements leading to conflicts with others were also identified as sources of anxiety.
The study of political stress has gained momentum in the U.S. since the 2016 presidential election and is now an area of interest in Canada as well. Political scientists, psychologists, and mental health experts are investigating the effects of political stress on individuals’ well-being.
Amanda Friesen, a Canada Research Chair in Political Psychology at Western University, initiated the Body Politics Lab to explore how people’s physical and emotional responses are influenced by politics. One study conducted on undergraduate students revealed that exposure to political content often led to negative emotional responses, although individuals were more likely to engage with such content, indicating a desire for more despite feeling negatively.
Friesen emphasized the importance of understanding political stress and its implications for personal well-being and democracy. Maintaining a healthy balance between staying informed and preserving mental health is crucial in today’s era of constant news consumption through social media and the 24/7 news cycle.
Noah Vanderhoeven, a researcher at the Body Politics Lab, suggested that engaging in political action can be a positive response to political stress, highlighting the potential benefits of being actively involved in democracy. Dr. Allison Crawford from Canada’s national 9-8-8 suicide crisis hotline noted an increase in individuals seeking support due to political stress, with symptoms including sleep disturbances, feelings of helplessness, and overall unease.
Recognizing these symptoms and seeking support from trusted individuals were recommended as initial steps to manage political stress. Dr. Crawford advised controlling the consumption of news and social media to reduce stress levels. Recent headlines about the trade war with the U.S. have further intensified political stress levels in Canada, raising concerns about the impact on various aspects of daily life.
Amélie Valois echoed these concerns, emphasizing the stress induced by current political events and their potential repercussions on everyday situations like grocery bills and business operations. The prevalent uncertainty surrounding political matters has contributed to heightened levels of anxiety within the Canadian population.