Since the election, I’ve noticed I’ve been more stressed, irritable, and short-tempered. The news cycle is nonstop, and the language is harsh. The direction we seem to be headed as a country leaves me worried, not just politically but physically.
The stress isn’t abstract lands in my body. I feel it in the tension that doesn’t release. I feel it in the way the pain I experience intensifies, in the way my sleep is disrupted, in how much harder it is to focus, to breathe, to be calm.
I’ve always been able to tolerate a certain level of background noise—disagreements, debates, elections. But this feels different. This feels like it’s pushing into every corner of life, and it’s exhausting.
Political Stress Affects the Pain We Experience
For those of us living with chronic pain, stress is not just emotional—it’s physical. When the nervous system is already on high alert, extra stress can make the pain more intense and harder to manage. It becomes a vicious cycle: the more stress, the more pain; the more pain, the less patience; the less patience, the more stress.
And it’s not just about policies or politics—it’s about what it means to live in a world that doesn’t always feel kind, fair, or safe. That emotional weight adds to the physical burden.
How I’m Trying to Cope
This isn’t a fix-it list. It’s a survival list. I’m doing it to stay grounded, even when the world feels overwhelming.
Step Back from the Firehose
I limit how often I check the news and how much I let in. I stay informed, but I don’t drown in it. Sometimes I need to turn off the alerts and let the world spin without me for a while.
Return to My Body
Breathing slowly. Lying flat. Stretching gently. Even five minutes of intentional quiet helps reset my nervous system and lessen the intensity of the pain I experience.
Talk to Someone Who Gets It
When the stress builds up, I reach out to someone who understands—not to fix anything, just to feel less alone. That connection helps.
Do One Thing That Matters
Instead of trying to fix everything, I focus on one action that feels right—writing a letter, showing up for a cause, or helping someone else. Then I rest.
Create a Moment of Peace
Sometimes peace comes in the form of baking, drawing, listening to music, or walking outside. These small acts help push back against the noise.
You Deserve Calm, Even Now
If the political climate has been making you more reactive, more fatigued, more tense—you are not alone. So many of us are feeling this. The pain we experience is real, and stress makes it worse. But that doesn’t mean we have to carry it all.
Give yourself permission to rest. Step away when you need to. Come back when you’re ready. You matter. Your health matters. Your voice matters.
Call to Action
Ask yourself this week:
- What’s one small step I can take to lower my stress—right now, in this moment?
- What’s one way I can stay engaged without sacrificing my well-being?
You don’t have to do everything. You just have to do what you can, in a way that allows you to keep going.
Disclaimer: The views, positions, and recommendations expressed in this article are based on my personal experiences and independent research. They are solely my own and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of the American Chronic Pain Association (ACPA).
With thanks to ChatGPT for assistance in drafting this article.