Feeling Overwhelmed by Politics? How Therapy Can Help You Cope with Political Stress
In today’s world, it’s hard to escape the constant buzz of politics. Whether you're scrolling social media, turning on the news, or chatting with a friend, the headlines often seem to follow you—and not in a comforting way. Many people report feeling overwhelmed, angry, anxious, or helpless in response to political events. If that sounds familiar, you're not alone. And more importantly: help is available.
Political stress is real—and it’s impacting our mental health.
In recent years, more people have brought political stress and anxiety into the therapy room. Research has shown a sharp increase in political stress since 2016, with more individuals describing chronic worry, sleep disturbances, relationship conflict, and even symptoms of depression related to the state of the world.
Whether it’s the threat to reproductive rights, ongoing racial injustice, climate change fears, gun violence, LGBTQ+ rights, immigration policies, or the rise in authoritarian rhetoric—these aren’t just “political issues.” They’re deeply personal, especially when they affect you, your loved ones, or the communities you care about.
And when political stress begins to affect your day-to-day functioning, your relationships, or your ability to stay present, it’s time to do something about it.
So, what is political stress—and how do you know if it’s affecting you?
Political stress refers to the emotional strain people feel as a result of political events, policies, or social movements. You might experience it as:
Constant anxiety or dread about the news
Emotional exhaustion or burnout from activism or advocacy
Difficulty concentrating or sleeping
Strained relationships with friends or family who hold different views
Hopelessness about the future
Feeling angry, powerless, or "checked out" altogether
You might also notice physical symptoms, like muscle tension, headaches, fatigue, or a racing heart—especially after reading distressing news or engaging in heated discussions.
The good news: You don’t have to navigate this alone. Therapy can help.
Working with a therapist can give you a safe, nonjudgmental space to process your emotions, clarify your values, and reconnect with your sense of agency. Here's how therapy can support you in managing political stress:
1. Processing Emotions in a Safe Space
Therapy offers room to express your frustration, fear, grief, or anger—without being told you’re “too sensitive” or “overreacting.” These emotions are valid responses to real problems. You deserve to be heard and supported.
2. Learning to Set Boundaries with News and Social Media
Doomscrolling isn’t helping anyone—but it can be hard to stop. In therapy, we can explore how to stay informed without becoming consumed, and set limits around your media consumption so you can protect your peace of mind.
3. Navigating Difficult Conversations and Relationships
Maybe you’re avoiding political topics with certain family members. Maybe you're not avoiding them—and it's taking a toll. Therapy can help you develop communication tools, set boundaries, and reduce the emotional burden of political conflict in relationships.
4. Reconnecting with Your Values and Purpose
Political burnout often comes from feeling like nothing you do makes a difference. Therapy can help you reconnect with your values and find meaningful, sustainable ways to engage—whether that’s through advocacy, community work, or rest.
5. Regulating Your Nervous System
When the world feels out of control, your nervous system can get stuck in a constant state of fight-or-flight. Through mindfulness, grounding techniques, and cognitive-behavioral strategies, therapy can help you restore a sense of calm and balance.
6. Managing Anxiety and Depression
Political stress can feed into pre-existing mental health struggles, especially anxiety and depression. If you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck in negative thought spirals, or emotionally numb, therapy can provide support, structure, and evidence-based tools to help you cope.
Therapy isn’t about ignoring the world—it’s about staying grounded in it.
Political stress doesn’t mean you’re weak or overly emotional. It means you care. But to keep showing up—for yourself, your community, your loved ones—you need to be well.
That’s where therapy comes in. It’s not about disengaging from the world. It’s about developing the resilience, clarity, and emotional tools to engage in a way that aligns with your values and protects your mental health.
If you’re struggling with political stress, you’re not alone—and support is available.
Whether you're feeling politically overwhelmed, emotionally drained, or unsure how to move forward, therapy can help you find clarity, relief, and hope.
You don’t have to carry this alone. If you're ready to explore how therapy can help you manage political anxiety and reconnect with your power, reach out today to discuss getting started.
Related Article: Managing Political Stress: Protecting Your Mental Health in a Divisive Climate
