BOB HARP: Is social media to blame for election stress?

Most of us can agree, this year’s Presidential election is historic, but also quite stressful?

A recent survey from the American Psychological Association shows more than half of the country feels angst with just under three weeks away from November 8th.

So why all the white knuckles? The APA blames social media for the majority of it.

Justmind.org, a mental health group based out of Austin, Texas offers some insight.

Counselor William Schroeder tells ABC-7, “I think in some ways certainly there are some people that are more focused on the outcome and there’s a lot of fear that’s coming from that. So they’re really anxious about that.”

“Some of them are almost hyper-vigilant with their coverage… and certainly that’s bringing about kind of it’s own stress disorder for people, ” Williams said. He added, “with other people what we’re seeing is just a more broad exacerbated anxiety where they’re more anxious more stressed.”

We’ve seen Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump supporters taking jabs at each other on Facebook, Twitter and other social media outlets. A like a wildfire, the passion quickly spreads.

So what is one to do to beat the election stress?

Williams lists the following tips:

Exercise until Nov. 8th Take Walking Breaks Cut the Coffee, For Now. Stimulants like coffee often exacerbate anxiety symptoms. Find a Way to Access Humor. Feel & Express Your Feelings.

Williams goes on to tell ABC-7 companies can play a big role in helping employees. To read more on that, click here.