It’s no secret that political arguments aren’t pleasant — but a new study out of the University of Nebraska shows that politics can be downright hazardous to your health.
The study shows that four in 10 Americans — some 50-85 million people — cite politics as their main cause of stress; politics causes everything from anger and loss of sleep to fractured relationships.
A quarter of those polled by researchers said they’ve considered moving to avoid those who they might clash with politically — while one in 20 say the state of politics has left them feeling suicidal.
University of Nebraska professor Kevin Smith, lead author of the study, says of the findings, “A huge chunk of American adults genuinely perceive politics is exacting a serious toll on their social, their psychological and even their physical health.”
He continues, “There is potential for a demobilization effect here. If people view politics as so conflictual, and potentially a threat to their own wellbeing, they will say ‘heck with it, I don’t want to get involved.’ And democracies depend on participation. We need civically-engaged citizens.”
One in 10 admitted to researchers that following politics leaves them feeling suicidal.
What’s more, this is apparently the case no matter which party is occupying the White House.