Feeling Anxious About Politics? How Individual Therapy Can Help
By: Dr. Jenn Merthe-Grayson, Licensed Clinical Psychologist
In today’s polarized political climate, it’s not unusual to feel overwhelmed, exhausted, or even fearful when scrolling through headlines or talking with loved ones. With election cycles growing longer and more intense—and with social media amplifying every twist and turn—political anxiety is on the rise.
If you find yourself feeling stressed, irritable, helpless, or emotionally drained by the state of politics, you’re not alone. And you’re not overreacting. These are valid emotional responses to a very real and often chaotic landscape.
So, what can you do when the noise feels like too much?
💡 Why Is Politics Triggering So Much Anxiety?
Political news touches on issues close to our identity, values, safety, and sense of control. Topics like healthcare, civil rights, the economy, and climate change can impact our lives directly. When these issues are framed as high-stakes—and when polarization makes discussion feel unsafe—it’s no wonder our nervous systems react.
You might notice:
Difficulty sleeping after watching the news
Avoiding conversations with friends or family
Doomscrolling social media despite feeling worse
Heightened irritability or hopelessness
A constant sense of tension or dread
This kind of chronic stress can take a toll on your mental and physical health over time.
🧠 How Individual Therapy Can Help
Therapy offers a grounded, nonjudgmental space to unpack the anxiety that political tension stirs up. Whether you're feeling helpless, angry, confused, or all of the above, individual therapy can help you:
1. Regulate Emotional Responses
You’ll learn tools to calm your nervous system, manage intrusive thoughts, and reduce reactivity—so you can engage without feeling hijacked.
2. Understand Your Triggers
Therapy can help you explore the deeper reasons political issues feel so personal—whether due to past trauma, identity-based stress, or unresolved family dynamics.
3. Strengthen Boundaries
We’ll work together to set healthy limits around media consumption, social media engagement, and conversations that feel more activating than productive.
4. Rebuild a Sense of Agency
When anxiety stems from feeling powerless, therapy can help reconnect you with your values, community, and small ways to act meaningfully—without burning out.
🌿 You’re Allowed to Care Without Carrying It All
Caring deeply about your community and the world is a strength—not a weakness. But no one can carry it all alone. If the political climate is weighing on your mental health, you deserve support.
Individual therapy provides a space to process, recharge, and find your center—so you can move forward with clarity, resilience, and intention.
Ready to Talk?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, let’s work together. I’m currently accepting new clients for individual therapy. Reach out today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward more peace—even in uncertain times.