Election anxiety

The mental health community reported a rise in stress disorder cases long before Donald Trump was elected 45th president of these United States of America.

Doctors saw a spike in stress-related phone calls the morning after Trump was elected.

There are different levels of stress disorders ranging from mild anxiety, Acute Stress Disorder (ASD), to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Election anxiety

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that is triggered by a shocking or traumatic event, such as a death in the family.

Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) is usually a short-term response to a perceived threat or a shocking traumatic event.

Stress disorders can disrupt your life and make it difficult to concentrate or complete tasks at work.

Many people suffering from election anxiety are experiencing a mild form of ASD.

Black people, illegal immigrants, and the gays feel especially threatened by Trump’s election.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Acute Stress Disorder (that lasts for several days) Include:

  • Intermittent crying

  • Easily upset

  • Tension, startles easily

  • Trouble concentrating

  • Irritability

  • Scattered thoughts or emotions

  • Insomnia, trouble sleeping

  • Pacing the room, unable to sit still

  • Reactive (short-term) depression

  • Avoidance behavior

  • Feeling suicidal

  • Panic anxiety (rapid heartbeat, increased respirations, excessive sweating)


    • Treatment

    If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, call a mental health hotline to find a doctor in your are who can evaluate you for ASD or PTSD.

    Short-term counseling or psychotherapy may be necessary to help you see that the threat is not real.

    Treatment also includes relaxation therapy or cognitive therapy.

    You may need short term medication, such as anti-depressants or anti-anxiety meds, to relieve your symptoms.

    ASD usually resolves in a timely manner (usually a week to 4 weeks).

    If your symptoms persist for more than a month, you may be diagnosed with PTSD.

    Approximately 50% of PTSD cases are resolved within six months.

    This has been your Medical Minute.

    More Info On the Web

    Acute Stress Disorder – HealthLine.com

    Acute Stress Disorder Symptoms – PsychCentral

    Fight Election Stress Disorder – LA Times

    Acute Stress Disorder – National Center for PTSD

    Acute Stress Reaction – Wikipedia

    DISCLAIMER

    Any medical information published on this blog is for your general information only and is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice. You should not take any action before consulting with your personal physician or a health care provider. Sandrarose.com and its affiliates cannot be held liable for any damages incurred by following information found on this blog.