|
Post by Bisoh Chumbow on Nov 10, 2016 18:31:25 GMT -4
Great article, although I am reading it after the elections are over. This year’s election was inarguably a tough one. Therefore, I am not surprised that out of this presidential race, a new medical terminology has been birthed. If I were to answer the question posed by Dr. Benjamin Flores to his patients, “How is your focus on the election affecting your relationships, your friendships and family?,” I would have to be honest with myself about the fact that although I made an upfront decision not to get too involved in the election, there were aspects of it that caught my attention and made my family and myself worried, and anxious to the extent of constantly watching the news, checking online for updates, checking and rechecking the polls to see how our candidate was faring. Could it be that, like Dr. Holland, we too suffered from Obsessive-Compulsive Poll-Checking Disorder? Thank goodness, we did not resort to drinking, smoking, or taking drugs. But we definitely prayed more!
|
|
|
Post by chizhang on Nov 11, 2016 13:57:03 GMT -4
Ultimately, I believe people are overreacting to this election. The reason is because we all need something to excite us, to make it seem like there is something greater than our mundane lives. As mentioned in the article, "the outcome of this election is likely to have less impact on individuals", which signifies that all those anxious or OCD behaviors were unfounded. It's almost narcissistic to think that a change in presidency is going to have any immediate dire consequence to any single citizen of America, because simply put, most people are not even on the radar. But of course, the public WANT to believe that this election will change their lives. Therefore, just like "School Anxiety" is actually the result of separation from parents and home and not school, I believe the "Obsessive-Compulsive Poll-Checking Disorder" is not the result of the battle between presidency candidates, but rather, is the result of people's denial of their insignificance in the grand scheme of American politics. We all want to believe that we are important, and that our vote counts, however, upon seeing the result of the poll, especially when the result isn't what we had hoped for, we come to the realization that our decision, after all, don't really matter. And those who cannot accept how they don't really matter will feel anxiety, because what an insult that would be to their ego!
Chi Zhang (MS3)
|
|
|
Post by Morgan on Nov 11, 2016 15:27:13 GMT -4
This is an interesting read and it is very understandable that there is a lot of anxiety revolved around this election. The results of the election just highlighted just how different americans rank priorities about what they see is most important with regards to a potential commander in chief. I however do not buy into the media that seemed to promote this divide further, and I think there are far fewer "evil" people on both sides of the spectrum than the masses are led to believe by biased media sources. The beauty of the US is that everyone is entitled to their own opinion, whether good or bad and we have this outlet every 4 years where we can come together to let our voices be heard. It also goes to highlight how very different life can be depending on where in the US you call home. You cannot compare rural Kansas to urban centers like Chicago and expect everyone to have the same ideal and values. I'm sorry to say but i found this article to be a little humorous at time because I can first hand say i saw a lot of anxiety that accompanied both Bush elections as well as both Obama elections, so why call attention to it in this election. I feel like this election saw only the extreme voters where 47% of the population who couldn't care less just didn't care to vote, which is why this election was almost dead even at the end, most states being won 52-48%. Honestly, I can't wait till this election month is behind us because I can totally see where people will need counciling on either side. I really hope that somehow, we can bridge the gap that the last 15 years has managed to expand and find a mutual ground where we don't necessarily have to love one another for their ideals, but we can at least live in peace with things that are outside of our control. If you ended up voting, you did all that you could do, the rest we just have to endure.
Morgan Nichls (MS3)
|
|
|
Post by Sherene Falconer on Nov 11, 2016 16:57:19 GMT -4
The author expressed some valid points, and it is somewhat of a relief to be able to put a medical term to what has just taken place. It was quite something to watch otherwise rational people literally getting down to being so juvenile as to resort to name- calling. I am sure most of you have witnessed or may even had been a part of the crossfires on social media. The article states that “this year’s campaign has brought a marked increase in patients presenting with anxiety and other disorders, like OCD, avoidance, sleep disruption, irritability, drinking problems, and depression.” I whole heartedly agree with this statement though I have no way of truly verifying it. This election year has been something beyond anything I have ever seen.
|
|
|
Post by Logan Minshew on Nov 11, 2016 21:14:47 GMT -4
The election this year has certainly been interesting to say the least. With the recent events taking place post-election (see Calexit) it is clear that Americans are divided on many issues. Although I understand why it causes distress in the population, it is difficult for me to understand how something so far out of one's control can cause so much emotional damage. It seems possible that the reason behind the excessive fear is due to the extreme nature of both candidates, however, this is why our nation's democracy was built with checks and balances. No one person, regardless of name, rank, or title, can single handedly ruin our country. I also agree with the article in that we would be wise to focus on the many other things that we can control in our lives. Fear of the unknown is always present, but the american people shouldn't allow that fear to control the way they live their lives on a daily basis.
Logan Minshew (MS3)
|
|
|
Post by Deep Kalariya on Nov 12, 2016 15:45:27 GMT -4
This election has turned into a reality show based on the way we consume, ratings and how we react to a candidate. I can't recall any election in recent past which had more polarizing candidates like we have this time around. The debates have been covered like a reality show and next day being talked as such. With help of social media and broadcasters providing easy access as well as in-depth analysis have made election part of daily routine. As mentioned in the article taking a dog to walk, exercising and having a daily routine can be replaced by tracking polls and following debates and analysis. I had patients in clinic report how election increased their level of stress. Sometimes things being said in debate we may not agree with or have different opinion about it and seems like we have taken that as personal attack on us. However like, Dr. Miller says "ultimately the outcome of this election is likely to have less impact on individuals, day to day, than we think" therefore, having insight would lead to less consumption of polls and data which will directly correlate to less OCD behavior and stress.
|
|
|
Post by Darrah Shields on Nov 13, 2016 14:23:25 GMT -4
I found this article to be really interesting because it made me feel justified in having my own election anxiety. Im pretty sure its safe to say that this has been an election that will go down in history not just because of the fact that it was a Woman vs. Reality Star but because of the complete opposite-ness of these candidates. People have always felt the divide between Democrats and Republicans but I feel as if one party (republican) found itself in its own internal divide during this election. This election has brought out anxiety in people that didn't even know they even had anxiety, and I think they are completely justified. Until we see actual change and that things will work out in the favor of America, people are going to continuously stress and ponder over what January might bring us. Doctors all over the country need to be on high alert and help patients recognize their anxiety and work to find ways that will benefit them without having to stoop to medications.
Darrah Shields MS3
|
|
|
Post by Nnenia Francis on Nov 14, 2016 0:21:09 GMT -4
I believe we all go through our own version of election anxiety. I’m not even a US citizen and I found myself nervous and excited, and constantly refreshing the page trying to see who the next president elect was going to be. I couldn’t watch any of my normal shows to help pass the time I was just glued to my laptop and I did little less than stare at the screen for hours. Election anxiety is a phase that we all go through I believe it was just more heightened in this election than any other before. There had never been more polarizing and unlikable candidates than Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. There were extreme views being put forward and there was genuine fear felt at the thought of a certain candidate winning. It’s to the point now where there are protests in the streets. There are heightened emotions and the effects of that can lead to pseudo-psychological disorders. I think it’s a normal aspect in this crazy election and as we move forward to 4 years of Trump I think everyone should breathe in and out and wait for him to mess up before freaking out
Nnenia Francis (MS3)
|
|
|
Post by Jenny Thomas (MS3) on Nov 14, 2016 20:51:13 GMT -4
This article is definitely both an interesting read and an eye opener. It was no doubt that the election news accompanied by anxiety and stress for many voters, but this article shows just how much of a problem it was. It’s true; the actual anxiety caused by the elections was a vicious cycle. This article is excellent for anxious readers on differentiating between normal behavior and a clinical disorder. The fine line between simply being angry at the words of a candidate or to actually be having nightmares and anxiety attacks. This article was an excellent public service announcement for those with election anxiety to seek help.
|
|
|
Post by Karl Upplegger on Nov 15, 2016 12:39:36 GMT -4
The election process has definitely been stressful and has worn on everyone. This article brings up the important point of differentiating a normal stress response and a pathological/psychological response to stress. The main difference is the impact it has on the person's life. It is an important key difference and acknowledges that although we have certain feelings and experiences, its impact on our life can (like leading to avoidant behavior to prevent future episodes) help a patient be aware if the need to see a physician is necessary. I think at some point during the election process everyone has had an episode of panic attack like symptoms, sleep dysfunction, anxiety or mood changes in response to the information that came out on either of the candidates. Being aware of our own reactions and the personal responses we have to them can keep us mentally healthy. Understanding the extent of the impact can help a given patient make the decision accurately if seeing a physician is needed.
|
|
|
Post by Opeyemi Owa on Nov 15, 2016 16:53:35 GMT -4
I think it's only normal for people to experience this amount anxiety when it comes to the election of the next leader of the free world, especially considering all the drama that surrounded it. This article seem like an attempt to lighten, and add a little humor to a stressful time. What I took away from this article is that physicians should pay a little more attention and spent the few extra seconds finding out how their patients are dealing with the election. For patients who are already have a low anxiety threshold, this could very well serve as the stressor that pushes them overboard and triggers an attack.
|
|
|
Post by Jerome Brathwaite on Nov 15, 2016 17:37:08 GMT -4
I believe any competition that you deem important and that you are invested in will cause anxiety. The American Presidential Race definitely holds true. This maybe because this election highlights the level humanity has reached and the possible consequences it will have on an individual. Regardless of the outcome, or your personal position on the matter, I agree with Dr. Miller and think everyone who finds themselves vulnerable should have a post-election psychological plan. Focusing on the things you can control will help the situating and hopefully as time passes the levels of anxiety will drop. Jerome Brathwaite (MS3)
|
|
Justin Brathwaite (MS3)
Guest
|
Post by Justin Brathwaite (MS3) on Nov 15, 2016 18:18:23 GMT -4
There is no doubt that this election season has caused bad feelings for many people across the country. Throughout the campaign race, a lot of people were talking about election anxiety, describing the pitting in feeling they felt when they checked the polls or projections. Understandably so, most Americans fear the great uncertainty about America’s future under the leadership of our President-elect. Furthermore, the election stress that most experience was exacerbated by arguments, stories, images and video on social media that heightened their concern and frustration; particularly those comments that ranged from factual to hostile or even inflammatory. Be that as it as it may, the American people has spoken, all we can do is take the advice of Flores who said that “it’s important to focus on what you can control: exercising, eating healthy foods, maintaining your normal schedule.” For those who are still struggling with reality, its probably best that consider a post-election psychological plan.
|
|
|
Post by Pamella Yamada on Nov 17, 2016 18:14:44 GMT -4
This article was interesting and definitely relatable for many people but I don't think that this new-found OCD-like tendencies is specific to the election. I think smartphones have made it so many people are compulsive about checking updates in general just because we can. Having all that information in our pocket make waiting not only historic but undesirable. Checking for scores of the game or seeing if that email you've been waiting for has come through are all more accessible and likely to induce some sort of OCD in "healthy" people. But as far as the election, I have noticed that several of my patients bring up Trump when talking about their anxiety, their anger, their reason for drinking, etc. I even had a patient joke about having HI towards trump! The part that is scary is the unknown. He has been a wildcard from the start and that causes people much anxiety.
|
|
|
Post by Andrew Milian on Nov 17, 2016 21:38:05 GMT -4
The writer hit the nail on the head with this article. The 2016 election has definitely sent some people over the edge because of the candidates running. Trump being such a polarizing figure can and has sent some people into a psychiatric problem. Dr. Miller said that it's best to separate ones feelings from the election race or else one can get caught up emotionally and develop a psychiatric problem that may affect the person post election. Dr. Miller continues to say that those people should definitely have a post election psychological plan. People don't need motivation to get into this years election but as future medical practitioners we should motivate people to be more concerned about their mental health than an election that may ultimately not affect or change their life.
|
|