Life & Style Health

Election is turning out to be unhealthy source of stress for many Americans

   Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton
   Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton
   John Minchillo / AP
   Viewers at the University of Cincinnati watch the second presidential
   debate between Republican nominee Donald Trump and Democratic nominee
   Hillary Clinton. The race has been a significant source of stress for
   many, despite their political party affiliations.
   Viewers at the University of Cincinnati watch the second presidential
   debate between Republican nominee Donald Trump and Democratic nominee
   Hillary Clinton. The race has been a significant source of stress for
   many, despite their political party affiliations. (John Minchillo / AP)
   HealthDay

   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 by the American
   Psychological Association (APA).

   "We're seeing that it doesn't matter whether you're registered as a
   Democrat or Republican — U.S. adults say they are experiencing
   significant stress from the current election," said Lynn Bufka, 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,
   particularly with thousands of comments that can range from factual to
   hostile or even inflammatory," she added in an association news
   release.

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   You can minimize your discomfort, however, by reducing your media
   exposure and avoiding political discussions, the association suggests.

   Overall, 52 percent of Americans age 18 and older said the election is
   a somewhat or very significant source of stress. That included 55
   percent who align with Democrats and 59 percent with Republicans.

   The survey also found that 38 percent of respondents said political and
   cultural discussions on social media cause them stress. More than half
   who use social media said the election is a very or somewhat
   significant source of stress, compared with 45 percent of those who
   don't use social media.

   Men and women were equally likely to feel stressed by the Trump-Clinton
   battle, but there were differences between generations.

   Only 45 percent of Generation Xers — those born from 1965 to 1980 —
   reported election stress, while nearly six out of 10 "Matures" did so,
   according to the online survey conducted in August. Matures were born
   pre-1946.

   In addition, 56 percent of millennials and half of baby boomers said
   the election is a very or somewhat significant source of stress.

   Here are some tips from the APA for taking the election in stride:

   •Turn off your news feed, or take a digital break. Read just enough to
   stay informed. Take time for yourself, go for a walk, do things you
   enjoy and spend time with family and friends.

   •Avoid discussing the election if there is a risk it may escalate to
   conflict. Be aware of how often you discuss the election with family,
   friends or co-workers.

   •Worrying about the election outcome is not productive. Instead, take
   action on issues that concern you. For example, volunteer in your
   community, join a local group or advocate for an issue you care about.

   •And finally, vote. That should help you feel that you're taking a
   proactive step.

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