Politicophobia, also referred to as the fear of politics, is a catch-all term that encompasses many individual worries or fears. While there is a preliminary study on politicophobia, it is real and experienced by many people. Few individuals are scared of the political system, others of politicians.
Some people are afraid of going to a polling area and casting a vote, while others are scared of the obligation of selecting elected officials. Because there are numerous varieties on politicophobia, the fear is individualized. What makes a person frightened may appear utterly harmless to someone else. Let’s look at a few instances relating to politicophobia.
Fear of the political system
Election season is commonly filled with name-calling, edged advertisements, and hard-fought debates. If you are apprehensive about conflict, you may be tempted to hide in your home with the TV off throughout the months preceding a major election.
(Politicophobia) Fear of politicians
Politicians are known for evading direct answers to questions and for being unfaithful. While several people vigorously despise politicians, the actual fear of them is relatively more uncommon. However, what is widespread is the fear of a particular politician. During election season, it looks like the whole country picks sides, from major companies to individual spiritual leaders.
Politicians look for endorsements that they believe can assist their bid for election. Nevertheless, approving one candidate indicates speaking out against his/her oppositions. When that information comes from a reliable source, it is easy to take it to heart, and you might become anxious about a politician who is moving ahead in the polls, especially if they direct negative words to people or things you care about.
(Politicophobia) Fear of casting a vote
Polling stations can be intimidating, especially to those with agoraphobia, social phobia, or claustrophobia. Although most areas now have laws prohibiting campaigning within the polling station, followers from either side usually come out in a last-minute bid to convince voters to elect a specific candidate.
Inside the polling station, you need to go through a series of stages from submitting your identification to casting your vote. Poll workers are excited to demonstrate sample ballots and make sure that you understand the procedure. For those who endure certain types of social phobia or agoraphobia, this relation can be frightening.
(Politicophobia) Fear of selecting elected officials
Each individual carries only a single vote, but that vote can make a significant difference in the final result of the election. If you are sceptical about where you stand on the matter, unfamiliar with some of the aspirants, or unclear on how to complete the ballot, you might be scared of making a wrong choice. The fear of duty is powerful, and a few people develop the fear of negatively influencing the future.
Fear of the results
Many people aren’t afraid to cast a vote, but they are anxious about the direction in which the country may go. This seems to be particularly true when elections happen to fall during a period of conflict, economic tension and many more. Campaign pledges, attack ads, and mudslinging intensify the outcomes, with each side attempting desperately to persuade voters that “bad things” will occur if the other party wins.
During the presidential elections, the equilibrium of power is often spoken of. Legislation must go through the House as well as the Senate before being approved by the president. Governing two or even the three branches of government makes it easier for a political party to approve its plan
So generally, both parties strive to gain as much control as possible. However, this battle for control makes it susceptible to those who support the “losing” party to develop powerful fears of what the future will hold.
Self-help techniques
It would be almost impossible to avoid the election season entirely. Primary elections, especially the presidential race, are sewed into the fabric of our nation. Election conversation is everywhere, from the water cooler in the office to the 24-hour news networks.
If politicophobia is disturbing your daily life, you might want to discuss it with a therapist. A therapist can assist you in managing your anxiety by employing proven therapies such as cognitive-behavioural therapy and exposure therapy.
Here are some easy coping techniques you can perform on your own to help lessen your fear about political matters:
- Know when to move away from a political conversation
- Be particular and restrict your media exposure to political information
- Go for a bike ride or take a stroll
- Contact a friend who isn’t politically minded and have dinner together (spend time together discussing other matters)
Keep in mind that it’s alright to listen to debate because staying enlightened is healthy, but letting yourself to become stressed-out by fear is not.
