In recent years, many people have found it increasingly difficult to stay on top of the political situation in our country without feeling emotionally drained, overwhelmed, or even hopeless. Whether you stay up-to-date on current events, follow advocacy efforts, or simply find yourself getting pulled into conversations about politics practically every time you leave the house, it’s not uncommon to feel the immense weight of it all.
At LynLake Centers for WellBeing, we often work with individuals who care deeply about the world around them but are struggling to stay grounded in the face of so much ongoing tension and uncertainty. It can be challenging to focus on your job, maintain personal relationships, and be a responsible citizen – all while trying to preserve your sanity at the same time.
Recognizing the Signs of Political Stress
So how do you know whether your current relationship with politics is starting to take a toll? For some people, political stress shows up in the form of emotional exhaustion after reading the news or engaging in a political conversation. Others may feel rising anxiety as elections approach, or a tendency to withdraw entirely from social media and news coverage in an effort to avoid being confronted with the latest political development and the strong emotions that might come with it. Conversely, some people feel compelled to over-consume political news; for example, constantly refreshing the home page of your preferred news website or social media app, to see if there are any updates since you last checked it an hour ago.
Here are a few common indicators of political burnout:
- Feeling emotionally depleted after political conversations
- Experiencing dread or anxiety around elections or policy debates
- Avoiding media or political content due to anticipated distress
- Frequently consuming political content even though it worsens your anxiety
- Increased conflict or tension in relationships related to differing political views
- A growing sense of hopelessness or powerlessness about political outcomes
When these patterns persist, it may be a signal that your nervous system is carrying more than it can comfortably hold.
Understanding Why It’s So Draining
Political anxiety is more than a reaction to current events—it’s often a reflection of how deeply those events intersect with our values, identities, and communities. If we feel like those aspects of our lives are under threat, we will become anxious. For some, the issues being discussed in the public sphere feel and are intensely personal. It can feel like an attack on our own livelihood – perhaps an attack on our very lives. Policies and political outcomes may touch on safety, justice, bodily autonomy, or belonging. That emotional charge, combined with the nonstop nature of modern media, can make it difficult to find a moment of real rest.
If you have friends, family, or coworkers whose views differ from your own, navigating those conversations may add another layer of stress. You may feel caught between staying connected and protecting your peace. Over time, this push and pull can leave you feeling depleted or emotionally distant.
Ways to Stay Engaged Without Losing Yourself
When caring starts to feel like a burden, it may be time to explore new ways of engaging that are more sustainable. You don’t have to completely disengage to protect your mental health, but it may help to rethink how, when, and where you show up.
- Start by setting boundaries that feel right for you
You may find it helpful to limit how often you check the news or scroll through political content. For example, some people benefit from checking in once or twice a day and turning off notifications outside of those times. It may also help to be clear with loved ones about your limits around political conversations. Letting others know when you’re not available for those discussions can create space for rest and repair.
2.Redirect your energy toward what feels meaningful
When the bigger picture feels overwhelming, consider focusing on smaller, concrete actions. You might choose to volunteer, write letters to representatives, or donate to causes that align with your values. Even simple acts of care within your own community can be powerful. Reframing your engagement in this way may help you reconnect with a sense of agency.
3. Be intentional with how you consume information
Pay attention to how different sources and formats affect your nervous system. If certain types of coverage or certain platforms leave you feeling heightened, unsettled, or even triggered, it’s okay to take a break or seek out information in more digestible forms. It may also help to set a buffer such as avoiding political content right before bed, to give your brain time to unwind. Keeping a journal can help you identify patterns if you are unsure of your triggers.
4. Rebuild routines that support emotional balance
Burnout doesn’t just show up in your thoughts, it often shows up in your body. Creating small daily rituals such as stretching, journaling, going for walks, or engaging in creative practices may help restore balance. Additionally, incorporating some “Tiny Little Joys”, like drinking a warm cup of coffee, or getting some much needed vitamin D from the sun, scattered throughout your day can make a big impact on your overall satisfaction of your day. Over time, these habits can provide a more stable foundation to return to when things feel chaotic externally.
5. Stay connected to those who understand your values
It may be helpful to connect with people who can hear your thoughts and feelings without debate or defensiveness. These conversations don’t have to be solutions-focused. Sometimes, simply feeling heard can be enough to soothe your system and remind you that you’re not alone in how you’re experiencing the world.
How Therapy Can Support You During Politically Charged Times
If political stress is starting to affect your wellbeing, whether through anxiety, tension in relationships, disrupted sleep, or a sense of helplessness, therapy may offer support. At LynLake Centers for WellBeing, we approach this work with care, cultural humility, and the understanding that these issues are complex and deeply personal.
Some of the ways therapy may support you include:
- Providing a non-judgmental space for you to express your entire range of thoughts and feelings
- Gaining clarity on how political stress shows up in your body and behavior
- Learning to challenge patterns of catastrophizing or all-or-nothing thinking
- Creating realistic and protective media habits
- Navigating difficult conversations with more confidence and care
- Processing emotions like grief, fear, or anger in a safe environment
Therapy isn’t about telling you how to think or feel – it’s about helping you understand your internal responses so you can move through the world with more steadiness and intention.
You Don’t Have to Carry It All Alone
Political engagement shouldn’t have to come at the cost of your mental health. With the right support, it’s possible to stay informed and connected to what matters to you without getting emotionally hijacked by the 24/7 news cycle.
If you’re finding it harder to cope with our political climate lately, we invite you to connect with one of our 200+ providers. At LynLake Centers for WellBeing, we’re here to help you navigate these challenges with care, curiosity, and the support you need to feel more grounded, no matter what’s happening in the world around you.
Emotional wellbeing is not separate from political life – it’s part of how we show up, sustain hope, and keep going.