Political Anxiety: How to Manage Your Mental Health in a Divided World
Liberal. Conservative. Right. Left. Republic. Democrat.
Goodness!
It feels like there is endless division, and it’s made worse with people constantly arguing & shouting from opposing sides.
With the state of politics in the US right now, it’s hard not to feel anxiety about everything that is going on.
But believe me when I say that you can still find peace and strengthen your mental heath, even with the constant conflict in our society today.
It seems like the world is getting crazier…
One thing that I want remind you of that all of the bad that seems to be happening in the world is the very thing that was prophesied in the Bible.
As we get closer to the end days (or as we progress through the end days), the world around us will continually head towards evil.
However, this doesn’t mean that there isn’t any good in the world or that we can’t do good in the world.
Of course, there is good; and of course, we can do good.
There is still hope
Obviously, there are many things that can be done to make positive changes in our society for the better, such as a petitions for changes in laws/legislation, as well as changes in leadership.
But…
There is one thing, only one answer that truly can fix everything that’s wrong with the world (and you should already know what I’m going to say by now) — the answer is:
Jesus.
(Surprise, surprise lol — cue the annoyed sighs and frustrated eye rolls)
Listen… I get it!
There are lots of people who will get upset when I say something like this, because they may feel like when someone says this then that person is just making a blanket statement that gives them an excuse to not take action.
And sadly in a lot of cases, they’re probably right — but this is not always the case.
Think about it…
Let’s say, you have all of these great suggestions and great ideas on what could make the laws of the land better for everyone, so that all people can live protected and free.
And believe me, I know you probably have lots of great input (or maybe just one good idea) to offer to our leaders.
But even with all of those ideas and suggestions you have, you don’t think our leaders probably also know what they can do to make the laws better for everyone?
Do you truly believe that they don’t know what to do??
Of course, they do.
It is simply a refusal (and maybe to a small extent, an inability) to make that change.
“But why?”, you may ask.
This problem needs an internal fix, not an external one
It all comes down to a heart issue. (Not the physical heart, but the spiritual and emotional heart)
If our political leaders (although it should be leaders in every arena) had an actual relationship with God, at least half of the corruption that the nations of the world are experiencing would not be happening.
And I say half, because no man is perfect except Jesus, our Lord & Savior.
Therefore, when I say Jesus is the answer, I mean that.
The point I’m making is the lack of change we are seeing in our world is because of the people’s heart.
If your heart is not right, then your thinking and your actions won’t be right either.
Now this may seem disheartening, because it may seem like your leaders don’t even want to come close to knowing who God is, much less having a relationship with Him.
But it’s ok.
Because during times like these, that is when we usually see God use people, like you and me, to bring about the change we need in this world.
But these feelings make it hard to get through the day
Now I know this can all seem and feel overwhelming.
Especially when the political division seems hopeless and without solution.
It can get tiring when you are constantly praying for a change, it seems like God is not listening or He isn’t doing anything.
Let me encourage you that He is listening and He is working, even you don’t see it.
And also it’s ok, you feel a little discouraged and overwhelmed sometimes (as long as you don’t stay in that place).
So don’t beat yourself up, if you are having a hard time dealing with what is going on in the world.
Just remember, based on the personality you have, your emotional response to events will be different.
And that’s ok too.
So what should I look out for?
But a declining mental health can be a clue to you that something is wrong or that you’re taking on too much.
Some of these symptoms that I will list below may be familiar to you, and I may have even mentioned them before on this blog in other posts.
(And I will continue to repeat them, because I want you to be familiar with them and to be aware of when these changes happening within you, so that you can take action.)
So a few symptoms you may experience, if you’re struggling with your mental health, are:
Sleeping issues
Restlessness (always feeling on edge)
Hyper-vigilance (meaning, you are constantly checking the news or checking on your family, checking your front door, your surroundings in an extreme & paranoid manner)
Difficulty with relaxing and being calm
Consistent and constant muscle tension (in shoulders, back, arms, fists, legs and etc.)
Wanting to be alone in extremes
Frequently crying, or also feeling a constant need to cry
Inability to enjoy simple pleasures
Constant feelings of sadness, guilt, anger, fear, anxiety, and other similar feelings
A feeling of numbness (this is a newer symptom being reported as of late, which can be a result of the constant onslaught of bad or traumatic news)
Along with those emotional symptoms, you may experience physical symptoms as well. Such as:
Stomach issues
Pain and aches in your body
Headaches
Memory issues
Confusion, or difficulties concentrating (brain fog)
And other similar bodily responses
What can you do to cope with these emotions?
As I’ve mentioned before, if you are feeling or have felt any of these things recently, just know you are not alone.
You are having a very normal response to stress.
The fact that you are even having stress responses shows that you are understanding all that is happening around you and that you are processing things as you should.
But that doesn’t change the fact that having these strong emotions can make it difficult for you to get on with your day-to-day life, so below I’ve listed some coping mechanisms you can try to help ease what you might be going through.
Now none of these things listed will be new or ground breaking information, but they are still important and very helpful in overcoming the stress you may be feeling:
Get a good night’s sleep (don’t underestimate how important this is to you effectively handling stress)
Make sure you talk to someone you trust, who will understand how you feel and empathize with you
Go outside and get some fresh air (it can be either taking a walk, a drive with the windows down, go to the park, etc.)
Make sure you eat a healthy meal (and try not to have a large amount of sugar or caffeine, because these things can amplify the feelings of stress, anxiety or distress)
Arm yourself with the Word of God (this is only thing that will speak life back into you the way you need it to. God’s Word is life, and it will pull you out of those feelings of despair)
PRAY (I listed this action item last, but it’s not by no means least. Talking to God is the solution - it is the best way to begin healing and overcoming any mental and emotional issue you may be suffering through)
What does the Bible say about politics?
This will always be the source that I’m looking towards, because the Bible is the manual by which we live.
So we will look at a couple of verses from the Bible that speak about how we should think about our politic leadership.
“He said, “Praise the name of God forever and ever,
for he has all wisdom and power.
He controls the course of world events;
he removes kings and sets up other kings.
He gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to the scholars.”Daniel 2:20-21
In this scripture, the Bible makes it very clear that God is the One that is in control of everything in our world (including politics).
We have free will, and our actions will affect the way our environment look. However, this doesn’t mean that God doesn’t still have control - whatever happens still depends on whatever God does (or doesn’t) allow.
So we can find comfort in the fact that whoever we see in the seat of leadership, God allowed and there is a purpose for that person.
But one thing we need to be careful of is being aware of where our heart is. According to the word of God, we as a people (as a nation), we get the kind of leadership we deserve and that our heart desires.
If we truly want God and for biblical principles to rule in this nation (specifically, talking about the USA here), then we need to make sure that our hearts are seeking for God.
“All right, here is the king you have chosen. You asked for him, and the Lord has granted your request. Now if you fear and worship the Lord and listen to his voice, and if you do not rebel against the Lord’s commands, then both you and your king will show that you recognize the Lord as your God.”
1 Samuel 12:13,14
So we need to be so careful with examining the posture of our heart at all times, but especially when we are seeking and consulting God concerning the governing leaders of our nation.
If we truly desire God and for His will to be done, then we can pray for and be confident in the fact that God will position someone who values biblical principles in leadership.
But… regardless of who is in leadership, our duty (as children of God) is to respect them. Because they are the one that God has allowed to come into power.
No matter how difficult it may be to accept.
“Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you.”
Romans 13:1-3
Political Anxiety Doesn't Have To Control You
I know it may be hard in times like these to hold on to hope.
But if we say that in God we trust, then regardless of who takes office, we know that our hope lies only Him.
God truly has our best interest in mind as our Heavenly Father.
The situations we face and the state of nation and world can look grim, but God has never lost control of this world and He never will.
So when the time comes, do your civic duty, vote for the policies that align with the Word of God (not your feelings) and leave the rest in God’s very capable hands.
This is the best way that I can encourage you to manage your mental health in this time of emotional and political unrest.
Keep your trust in God and in His will, and you will have peace.
By the way, talking with someone can make it a lot easier to get through tough times.
Book your session today, and let’s overcome that anxiety together.