This year’s election has taken a toll on everyone. We all know how much is at stake this year, but is the stress causing health issues that you were unaware of?
“I’ve never seen this level of stress and anxiety over an impending election in my 26 years (of practicing),” said Nancy Molitor, a clinical psychologist from just outside Chicago. Molitor said she had two elderly patients who were worried that their grandchildren would inherit an America in turmoil.
Philip Muskin, professor of psychology at Columbia University Medical Center, said the anxiety among his patients reminded him of the aftermath after September, 11, 2001.
Some patients are unhappy with the idea of a Hillary Clinton presidency, most are worried about Donald Trump, a blunt-spoken, insult-spewing New York businessman who has never held public office, according to interviews with seven therapists across six states and the District of Columbia.
The therapists said their patients have complained of difficulty sleeping, irritability and heart palpitations. They said they were advising clients to limit exposure to the news and take up breathing exercises and yoga to calm down.
“I’ve never seen this level of stress and anxiety over an impending election in my 26 years (of practicing),” said Nancy Molitor, a clinical psychologist from just outside Chicago.
Molitor said she had two elderly patients who were worried that their grandchildren would inherit an America in turmoil. Another, a World War Two veteran, sees similarities between Trump and the Italian dictator Benito Mussolini, Molitor added.
Clinton has accused Trump of racism and sexism, and her campaign frequently calls him “unhinged” and unfit for the presidency, saying he has a volatile temperament that could endanger U.S. national security. Trump, in turn, has said Clinton is a corrupt life-long politician who should be jailed for her use of a private email server without official approval while she was secretary of state.
Philip Muskin, professor of psychology at Columbia University Medical Center, said the anxiety among his patients reminded him of the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001 al Qaeda attacks, and the crashing to Earth of America’s first space station, Skylab, in 1979, which had people around the world worried they could be hit by falling space debris.
I wonder if the 24/7 News cycle has anything to do with it?
The doom and gloom, the constant pounding at people’s fears, the incessant war drums are more than some can bare. Do yourself a favor, shut off the television, read a book, take a walk, or go out to dinner.Give yourself some quiet time to recharge and empty your thoughts.
Give yourself some quiet time to recharge and empty your thoughts. I can assure that it will do you a world of good. Listening to all these talking heads is giving all of us more than we need, so that is why we need to take a break.
Just think in one month the election will be over and you can start stressing about Christmas shopping.
What do you think?