Could You Have a Fear of Politics or Politicophobia?

Politicophobia, or the fear of politics, is a catch-all term that encompasses a wide range of individual fears. While there is limited research on politicophobia, it is real and experienced by many. Some people are afraid of the political process, others of politicians. Some fear going to a polling location and casting a vote, while still others are afraid of the responsibility of choosing elected officials. Because there are so many variations on politicophobia, the fear is extremely individualized. What makes one person afraid might seem entirely harmless to someone else. Here's a look at some examples.

害怕政治进程

选举季节通常充满了泥泞，尖锐的广告和艰苦的辩论。如果您对冲突感到不舒服，您可能会在主要选举之前的几个月内随时躲在房子里。

Fear of Politicians

Politicians have had a reputation for avoiding direct answers to questions and for being untrustworthy. While many people actively dislike politicians, actual fear of them is somewhat more unusual. What is more common, however, is thefear特定政治家。

During election season, it seems that the entire country takes sides. From major corporations to individual religious leaders, politicians seek out endorsements that they feel can help their bid for election. But almost invariably, endorsing one candidate means speaking out against his or her opponents. When that message comes from a trusted source, it is easy to take it to heart. You may become concerned about a politician who is running ahead in the polls, particularly if they direct negative messages to people or causes you care about.

害怕投票

轮询位置可能是令人生畏的，特别是对那些人来说social phobia,agoraphobia要么claustrophobia。Although most districts now have laws preventing campaigning within the polling place, supporters for both sides often line the sidewalks in a last-minute bid to convince voters to choose a specific candidate. It can feel something like walking the gauntlet as campaigners shout slogans and distribute literature.

在投票站内，您必须通过一系列步骤提出识别来施放投票。民意调查工人渴望展示样品投票，并确保您理解该过程。对于那些患有某些类型的社会恐惧症或广播恐惧症的人来说，这种互动可以觉得痛苦。

恐惧选择民选官员

Although each person holds only one vote, that vote can make a critical difference in the ultimate outcome of the election. If you are unsure where you stand on the issues, unfamiliar with some of the candidates or unclear on how to fill out the ballot, you may be afraid of making the wrong choice. The fear of responsibility is powerful, and some people develop a nearly paralyzing fear of negatively impacting the future.

害怕结果

Some people are unafraid of casting a vote but are fearful of the direction in which the country is heading. This appears to be especially true when elections happen to fall during a period of war, economic uncertainty or other negativity. Campaign promises, attack ads, and mudslinging heighten the effects, with each side trying desperately to convince voters that "bad things" will happen if the other side is elected.

在总统选举期间，经常提到权力余额。在主席签署之前，立法必须通过房子和参议院。控制两个甚至所有三个政府分支机构使政党更容易通过其议程，因此，这两个主要缔约方都希望尽可能多地获得控制。但这种控制的斗争使那些支持“失去”一方的人来发展强烈担心未来将持有的东西。

根据美国心理学协会的2019年压力，美国人在美国人返回投票前给予总统的投票，56％的成年人认为即将到期的选举为重要的压力来源。

Self-Help Strategies

几乎不可能完全逃避选举季节。主要选举，特别是总统种族，都被编织成我们社会的面料。选举谈话到处都是，从办公室的水冷却器到24小时新闻网络。

If politicophobia is interfering with your everyday life, you may want totalk to a therapistwho can help you better manage your fear by using经过验证的疗法像认知行为治疗和暴露治疗。美国心理协会也是在政治变革时期管理压力的巨大资源。

以下是一些简单的应对策略，您可以自己做，以帮助减少对政治问题的焦虑。

• Know when to walk away from a political discussion.
• Be selective and limit your media exposure to political information.
• Take a walk or go for a bike ride.
• 叫一个朋友不是politically minded and head out to dinner.

And remember: It's okay to listen to debate now and then. Staying informed is healthy, but allowing yourself to become overwhelmed with anxiety is not.