The days pass in a whirlwind of uncertainty. Politics has a much deeper impact than we imagine. It seeps into television, newspapers, social media and casual conversations, subtly but persistently shaping the way we view the future.
Clinical psychologist Joana Pinheiro, who is responsible for mental health content at the Portuguese Society of Public Health, warns in an article published in the magazine Visão about the effects of this instability on our psychological well-being. And she does so forcefully:
"Imagine a background noise that never goes away: it is not deafening, but it is always there, subtle and persistent."
The metaphor could not be more apt. A political crisis works like a constant hum, an invisible thread of tension that, although it does not cause an immediate shock, slowly wears us down. Science helps us understand why: the human brain was shaped by evolution to identify threats and seek stability. When that stability dissolves, the amygdala, the brain structure responsible for fear, goes into continuous alert. The result? Anxiety. A feeling of permanent unease, even with no imminent danger.
But the impact goes beyond diffuse fear. Studies show that prolonged periods of crisis raise levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. The effect? Sleep problems, difficulty concentrating, a weakened immune system. And a mental exhaustion that stems not only from the political events themselves, but from the feeling of powerlessness in the face of what seems to be a vicious circle of disillusionment.
Misinformation only worsens this picture. The human brain has a negativity bias: we pay more attention to alarming news because, for our ancestors, ignoring a warning could mean death. But in the age of fake news, this natural instinct makes us hostages to an endless cycle of fear and frustration. And this is where populism comes in. In moments of weariness and disbelief, simple, inflammatory solutions gain ground, exploiting the desperation of those who just want some predictability.
So how do we break out of this cycle?
Joana Pinheiro suggests some strategies to minimise the effects of political instability on mental health:
✔ Choose what you consume – Not all information deserves attention. Favouring credible sources reduces the emotional impact of the news.
✔ Take breaks from the news – The brain needs rest. Avoiding excessive news consumption can make all the difference.
✔ Focus on what is within reach – Instead of losing yourself in powerlessness in the face of global chaos, you can act locally, whether through voting, activism or supporting the community.
✔ Prioritise well-being – However turbulent the times the country is going through, it is essential to find moments of leisure and stability.
Political instability may be unavoidable. But the way we react to it does not have to be. In times of crisis, preserving emotional balance may be the most powerful act of resistance of all.
