Getting Involved Can Reduce the Stress Caused by Today’s Politics

by Susan Andrews, PhD

One psychologist, Dr. Tammy Savoie, has taken those words to heart. Dr. Savoie decided to run for office because of the same stress that 63 percent of Americans reported last December in an APA poll. The stress – simply put – is concern about the division of neighbors and families over partisan bickering and an ineffective Congress, concern about the future of our country.

“Americans Are Freaking Out” was the headline conclusion of the 2017 Stress in America poll conducted for the APA by Harris. As I reported last year, nearly two-thirds of the people who responded to the Harris poll said that this is the lowest point in US history – and it is keeping a lot of them up at night. The poll, which was the 11th annual Stress in America survey done by the APA, was conducted online between August 2 and August 31 and included 3,440 respondents, aged 18 and over.

Those who are being kept up at night reported that they are worried about health care, the economy and an overall feeling of division and conflict between them and their neighbors. More Democrats (73 percent) than Republicans (56 percent) agreed that this was their top concern. Nonetheless, the sentiment was this is the lowest point in our nation’s history spanned generations, which includes World War II, Vietnam, and 9/11.

As we approach the mid-term elections, that stress has been building for many of us. Actually, many of us have complained for years about the qualifications of the politicians who are supposed to represent us. We complain but most of us will tell you that in truth they have not gotten involved, even with the local School Board elections. Sure, the most frequent answer: “Sorry, I am just too busy to volunteer.”

And, forget putting your hat into the Ring. That really would take too much time. This year is different, and as one who never volunteered before but complained a lot, I have been volunteering for Dr. Tammy Savoie’s campaign for two reasons:

1. She is a Clinical Psychologist, trained at Emory U., served for 23 years in the Air Force and retired in 2016 as a Lieutenant Colonel. Dr. Savoie was born and raised in the New Orleans area. As a Clinical Psychologist in the Air Force, she is naturally concerned about our veterans. As a Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Savoie understands the importance of a good education, proper child care, and good health care. Further, most people who choose a career as a Clinical Psychologist care about people and want to help them. More psychologists need to get involved actively in politics. We need people trained in critical thinking and objectivity; and Dare I Say It, more women.

2. I have been so stressed with concern about the future of our country that when I saw a woman with recognized credentials, not a professional politician, that I decided to put my time and energy where my mouth was. And, it has worked. Win, Lose, or Draw, I feel better knowing that I got involved. I hope we can have many more qualified candidates, like Dr. Tammy Savoie, in the future. I hope you Get Involved!

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