VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – As Election Day draws near, some voters are feeling the stress.
Dr. Stephen Cunningham, Medical Director of Tidewater Psychotherapy Services, says the practice is seeing a rise in the number of patients bringing up the topic of election-related stress.
“They are recognizing and reporting that this election season is having a direct impact on their overall level of functioning, including their sleep and appetite and their energy,” said Cunningham. He added, “I think that this election season combined with the stress of the pandemic has created a unique set of circumstances that adds to the stress on everyday individuals, including our patients.”
Dr. Cunningham warns that stress can affect the body’s organs and the immune system. He encourages everyone to maintain a healthy diet, to exercise and to practice good sleep hygiene.
In addition, those who are susceptible to alcohol or drug abuse should keep an eye out and seek help if they find themselves falling back into old habits to cope with stress.