Political Turmoil May Be Undermining Canadians' Mental and Physical Health
Researchers say the current wave of political conflict in Canada and abroad is linked to anxiety, sleep loss and other health issues.
Political scientists, psychologists and clinicians in Canada are examining how the barrage of political headlines is affecting citizens’ health. Amanda Friesen, a Canada Research Chair in Political Psychology, leads the Body Politics Lab, which tracks physiological reactions to political stimuli. In one study, 81 undergraduates wore sensors while scrolling TikTok, revealing heightened stress markers and a tendency to feel worse after viewing political posts, even as they shared and commented on them.
The researchers argue that while political engagement is vital, the nonstop news cycle and algorithm-driven feeds make it hard to find balance. Psychiatrists like Allison Crawford note an uptick in calls about political worry, citing insomnia, overwhelm and a sense of helplessness. The team plans a fall study around the Alberta referendum to further explore stress patterns and potential coping strategies.
Why it matters
Understanding political stress helps Canadians protect their health while staying engaged in democracy.
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