Suburbs Post-Tribune Post-Tribune Opinion Presidential politics stressing your life? Join the club Debate Debate MARK RALSTON / AFP/Getty Images Republican nominee Donald Trump speaks as Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton looks on during the final presidential debate at the Thomas & Mack Center on the campus of the University of Las Vegas on Oct. 19, 2016. Republican nominee Donald Trump speaks as Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton looks on during the final presidential debate at the Thomas & Mack Center on the campus of the University of Las Vegas on Oct. 19, 2016. (MARK RALSTON / AFP/Getty Images) Jerry Davich Jerry DavichContact ReporterPost-Tribune ____________________ Sign up Privacy Policy Is the volatile presidential election causing you too much stress? Have you lost friends over it? Do you feel estranged by your family over your choice of candidate? You're not alone. More than half of American adults claim similar anxiety amid one of the most contentious races for the Oval Office in modern history, according to a survey conducted by Harris Poll on behalf of the American Psychological Association. The mental health organization conducts its Stress in America survey each year and, not surprisingly, the presidential campaigns of Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton are right up there with work stress, money problems and relationship issues. "We're seeing that it doesn't matter whether you're registered as a Democrat or Republican, adults say they are experiencing significant stress from the current election," said clinical psychologist Lynn Bufka, the APA's associate executive director for practice research and policy. "Election stress becomes exacerbated by arguments, stories, images and video on social media that can heighten concern and frustration," Bufka said. "Particularly with thousands of comments that can range from factual to hostile or even inflammatory." I've witnessed this time and again on my social media sites. My readers and followers just can't stop themselves from piping in about Trump's charges, Clinton's rhetoric, both candidates' flaws and negatives, or anything else regarding their muddied campaigns. Election is turning out to be unhealthy source of stress for many Americans Election is turning out to be unhealthy source of stress for many Americans As Donald and Hillary duke it out on the campaign trail, Americans are feeling pummeled, too, a new poll finds. The 24/7 coverage of the acrimonious U.S. presidential election has caused stress for more than half of American adults, regardless of party affiliation, according to a survey conducted... As Donald and Hillary duke it out on the campaign trail, Americans are feeling pummeled, too, a new poll finds. The 24/7 coverage of the acrimonious U.S. presidential election has caused stress for more than half of American adults, regardless of party affiliation, according to a survey conducted... Read the story I've purposely posted certain election-related news items to see if the same responses are generated from the same readers. It routinely works, as if anyone else's mind – or vote – will change. There's no way that will happen for 99 percent of voters, I say. In fact, I'm astounded how any voter can still be undecided at this point in the election. Undecided about what, voting at all for a presidential candidate? When I voted last week, I paused and shook my head when looking at my ballot's choices for U.S. president, to be the most powerful person in the world, as the White House is historically billed. Of the 310 million or so people in this amazing country of brilliant minds, I'm profoundly discouraged that it has come down to an accused bully, an alleged liar and a Libertarian candidate who probably still can't name a single world leader. Lenhoff: As Election Day draws near, stress levels rise Lenhoff: As Election Day draws near, stress levels rise Pat Lenhoff Our presidential candidates keep (figuratively) shooting themselves, and each other, in the foot. Cocktail hour chatter has been focused on the conflicting aspects of the two major candidates, Donald Trump and Hilary Clinton, as well as third party candidates Libertarian Gary Johnson and the Green... Our presidential candidates keep (figuratively) shooting themselves, and each other, in the foot. Cocktail hour chatter has been focused on the conflicting aspects of the two major candidates, Donald Trump and Hilary Clinton, as well as third party candidates Libertarian Gary Johnson and the Green... (Pat Lenhoff) Still, this sad fact hasn't stopped their supporters from rallying around their candidate, at any cost. These voters would likely stump for their candidate in the middle of the woods if they thought even one animal was listening. Even casual observers who typically avoid talking politics at any cost can't resist jumping in to the fray. Psychologically speaking, the aspect that intrigues me most is that we can't stop debating or discussing this presidential election, regardless of scenario. I've heard it in grocery store aisles, at gas station pumps, school events and even hushed libraries. At my latest public presentation at the Hobart Public Library, I first asked if anyone had a question, as I do at all of my events. I prefer an open dialogue rather than a boring monologue. The first three questions from guests revolved around the presidential election, specifically suggesting I stay more "neutral" on this powder-keg topic. Today's column is about as neutral as I'll get leading up to the Nov. 8 election. Stress spreads across party lines, according to that APA survey, showing Democrats (55 percent) and Republicans (59 percent) are statistically close in saying the election is a "very or somewhat significant" source of stress. As expected, adults who use social media are more likely than those who do not to say the election is raising their blood pressure or anger. For an example of this, check out my Facebook page and the endless hyperbole from both ends of the political spectrum. Unlike many previous elections, it doesn't matter if they're men or women, millennials or matures, Generation Xers or baby boomers, or blacks, whites or Hispanics. Everyone has a dog in this bloody fight, and many of us are quietly enjoying its viciousness. I'm not at all surprised about Trump and Clinton's viciousness in this election. They're both wired for ruthless battles. They're entirely in their element on a stage debating and degrading each other in front of tens of millions of salivating viewers. "I'll keep you in suspense," Trump said in the last debate regarding the whether he will accept the results of next month's election if he loses to Hillary Clinton. The only suspense left for me is how America votes in (thankfully and finally) just a couple of weeks. In the meantime, we're left to twist in the winds of political zealotry while losing sleep and possibly losing friends. If it helps, the APA offers a few stress-relieving suggestions until Election Day: Limit your media consumption to needed facts, not inflammatory opinions; go for long walks without your phone; avoid any more wasteful debates with others; volunteer your time to support your cause; and finally, vote, to help you feel better about your decisions. "Whatever happens on Nov. 8, life will go on," Bufka said, sounding more like a philosopher than a psychologist. Batistatos: 'I'm really a nice guy' I've known Speros Batistatos, president and CEO of the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority, for almost 20 years. Yet every time I've spoken with him for a story or column, it's about tourism, convention centers or our area's hospitality industry, issues that he loves but I've grown tired of writing about. With that in mind, I invited the outspoken public official to be on my Casual Friday's radio show with one important caveat: He was not allowed to even utter the word "tourism" or anything else about his job. Instead, we peppered him questions about his personal life, his childhood, his politics, his faith and Greek heritage. His responses were candid and refreshing, especially when he revealed he honks his horn three times every time he returns to Lake County from downstate Indiana. Why? Listen to our on-air chat here: http://lakeshorepublicmedia.org/casual-fridays-october-21-2016/ jdavich@post-trib.com Twitter@jdavich Copyright © 2016, Post-Tribune * Elections * Donald Trump * Hillary Clinton * 2016 Presidential Election * Libertarian Party * [70x70] Christmas meal for Navy recruits * [70x70] Photos of the year, as seen by our photographers * [70x70] Cardinal Cupich visits Lurie Children's Hospital on Christmas Eve __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ * Breaking * Sports * Trending * Opinion * Suburbs * Entertainment * Business * Advertising 27°