Politics, Polarization, and the Weight We Carry: Naming the Emotional Toll of a Divided World

Politics, Polarization, and the Weight We Carry: Naming the Emotional Toll of a Divided World

It’s not just politics. It’s personal. And it’s heavy.

For many of us, the political climate isn’t just background noise—it’s the constant hum of anxiety, frustration, and worry. We scroll through the news. We hear the arguments. We feel the tension in our bones. And we wonder why we’re so tired all the time.

Here’s the truth: politics can take a real toll on our mental health. In a 2024 study by the American Psychological Association, 77% of adults said the future of the nation is a major source of stress. That’s not just a statistic. That’s a weight a lot of us are carrying every single day.

Naming the Emotion: Why It Feels So Hard

One of the first steps in healing is naming what we’re feeling.

A 2023 study found that politics triggered negative emotions on 81% of days for the people who participated. That means most days, they felt worse because of something political.

Maybe you’ve felt it too—your stomach tightens after watching the news, your chest feels heavy after scrolling through your feed. You’re not alone.

So how do we name what we’re feeling?

Start by pausing and noticing your body. Emotions show up in physical ways: a lump in your throat, tension in your shoulders, a pit in your stomach. Give those sensations a name. Is it fear? Sadness? Anger? Confusion? Naming the feeling doesn’t make it worse—it gives it shape. And once it has shape, it’s something you can face.

Sometimes, we avoid emotions because we’re afraid of being overwhelmed. But the truth is, unspoken emotions don’t disappear. They just leak out in other ways—like irritability, anxiety, or disconnection.

We feel these things because our brains and bodies are trying to make sense of conflict and uncertainty. And when we don’t talk about it or name it, the weight builds.

The Cost of Disconnection

Politics doesn’t just stir up our emotions. It can pull us away from people we love.

A 2023 study showed that people who feel disconnected from their community are 2.7 times more likely to report anxiety. That’s a big number. And it makes sense. When we feel isolated or unsafe in our relationships, our mental health suffers.

It’s not just about arguments at the dinner table. It’s about the quiet distance that can grow between people when we stop feeling like we’re on the same team. Even romantic relationships can feel strained. One study showed that while most couples tend to agree politically, very few feel like they can bridge political divides when they exist.

The Social Media Spiral

And then there’s social media. A Pew Research Center study from 2020 found that 55% of adults feel worn out by political posts and conversations online. That’s over half of us.

Let’s be honest—doomscrolling doesn’t help. The more we engage with political rage online, the more cynical and overwhelmed we can become. One study called it a kind of "collective trauma."

It’s okay to take a break. It’s okay to set boundaries. Being informed doesn’t mean we have to drown in the noise.

So What Do We Do With It All?

We can’t fix the world overnight. But we can start by taking care of ourselves and our emotional health.

Here are a few small steps that can make a big difference:

• Pay attention to your emotions when you engage with political content. Notice where you feel it in your body.

• Journal about what you’re feeling—especially when you feel overwhelmed.

• Talk to someone you trust, like a friend or therapist, who can help you process without judgment.

• Limit your media intake if it’s causing more harm than good.

• Reconnect with your values. What kind of person do you want to be in the midst of all this? How can you show up with kindness, courage, and calm?

When we name what’s hard, we begin to take away its power. And when we create space to feel, reflect, and reconnect, we make room for healing.

Support is Always Available

If this season feels like too much, you’re not alone. And you’re not broken.

At Platt Professional Counseling, we’re here to help you carry the weight. Our team offers a safe space to process, breathe, and take steps toward peace and clarity.

Let’s move forward—together.