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Political dividedness is wearing us down. Here’s how Pasco County can care for our mental health—together.

By: Haley Bland, LCSW

Politics is supposed to help neighbors solve problems. Lately, it often feels like the opposite—strained families, tense workplaces, sleepless nights, doomscrolling spirals. If that’s you, you’re not alone: national survey data show politics is a top stressor for Americans (65% listed it in APA’s most recent Stress in America topline report). Chronic political stress is linked with anxiety, irritability, insomnia, and relationship conflict—and it’s been intensifying over the last few years. American Psychological Association+2American Psychological Association+2

As a clinician, I see two truths:

  1. Political stress is real and affects our bodies, moods, and relationships.
  2. Communities—like ours in Pasco County—can build practical habits to protect mental health and keep working together across differences.

What political stress looks like (and why it sticks)

  • Hypervigilance & rumination: Constant news checking, catastrophic thinking, and irritability. APA reports that ongoing national issues function like a “collective trauma,” keeping nervous systems on high alert. American Psychological Association
  • Relationship strain: More Americans report distancing or conflicts with friends/family over politics; estrangement stories have grown louder in the press and survey work. TIME
  • Mind–body toll: Political anxiety is associated with sleep problems, elevated stress markers, and downstream health risks—patterns researchers and clinicians have been documenting around highly polarized events. American Psychological Association

A mental health game plan you can start today

1) Get intentional with your media diet

  • Set time-boxed news windows (e.g., 20 minutes morning + 20 minutes evening).
  • Turn off push alerts that don’t require immediate action; schedule “off” hours nightly.
  • Scan reputable, mixed-perspective sources; then return to local life (relationships, routines) where you have agency. APA has concrete tips for coping with political stress and uncertainty. American Psychological Association

2) Regulate first, then relate

When you feel activated in a conversation:

  • Pause & breathe (4-6 breaths, long exhale).
  • Name your state (“I’m getting worked up—can we slow down?”).
  • Boundaries are care: “I value you; let’s pick this up after dinner.”
    These are small, evidence-aligned skills to interrupt stress reactivity before it drives behavior. American Psychological Association

3) Use structured dialogue tools—not debate

If you want to talk across differences, borrow scaffolding from groups that specialize in this:

  • Braver Angels offers workshops, 1:1 conversations, and local events to practice depolarizing skills. Braver Angels
  • Living Room Conversations provides free guides for respectful, solution-focused conversations you can host at home, libraries, or faith communities. livingroomconversations.org+1

4) Re-anchor in shared local life

Most problems that affect our daily wellbeing—traffic, schools, parks, small business vitality—aren’t red or blue. Show up where common cause is normal: neighborhood associations, service clubs, and Pasco County Libraries events (great neutral ground for learning and connection). Pasco County LibrariesPasco County Libraries

5) Protect the basics

  • Sleep (aim 7–9 hours), movement (20–30 min/day), real-world connection (face-to-face weekly).
  • If symptoms persist (panic, hopelessness, relationship breakdowns), talk with a professional—earlier is easier. APA’s guidance underscores proactivity during high-stress political seasons. American Psychological Association

Pasco County–specific resources (save these)

  • Florida Dept. of Health – Pasco County: Local mental health information and links to help lines. (Phone: 727-619-0300) pasco.floridahealth.gov
  • United Way of Pasco County & 2-1-1: 24/7 referrals for food, housing, counseling, utilities assistance, and more. Dial 211 or text your ZIP to 898211. pascocountyfl.govUnited Way Pasco County
  • 211 Tampa Bay Cares (regional): Online searchable database for Pasco and nearby counties. firstcontact.org+1
  • BayCare Behavioral Health – Crisis Services: Intake and crisis support; call (877) 850-9613 (call 988 for imminent risk). BayCare
  • Florida Mobile Response Teams (MRT): 24/7 teams that come to you during a behavioral health crisis (youth & adults). MyFLFamilies
  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call/text 988, chat available): 24/7 support for anyone in emotional distress; veterans press 1. 988 LifelineFCC

If you’re organizing a cross-difference gathering in Pasco

  • Reserve a room at a Pasco County Library branch; set a “wellbeing first” norm (time limits, turn-taking, hydration/snacks, and a clear stop time). Pasco County Libraries
  • Use a Living Room Conversations guide (e.g., “Communicating with Care”) and designate a timekeeper. livingroomconversations.org
  • Consider attending a Braver Angels workshop first to practice skills (listening to understand, steel-manning, finding nuance). Braver Angels

Clinician’s note: when to seek more support

Reach out to a licensed clinician if you notice:

  • Persistent anxiety or low mood (>2 weeks),
  • Sleep disruption most nights,
  • Increased alcohol/substance use,
  • Avoidance of work/family conversations, or
  • Thoughts of self-harm.
    Crisis? Call or text 988 right now. 988 Lifeline

Further reading & tools

Bottom line

You don’t have to agree on national politics to protect each other’s mental health locally. If we regulate our nervous systems, set kind boundaries, and choose structured, respectful dialogue, Pasco County can stay connected and resilient—even in a noisy election year.

In Gratitude,

Haley Bland, LCSW

Serving individuals in addiction recovery throughout Pasco County, Florida

Caliper Wellness: We believe in empathetic and holistic care, addressing both physical and

mental health.  Founded by Andrew and Jennifer Hewitt, Caliper Wellness uses evidence-based

therapy options to help you make meaningful changes and develop effective coping skills.

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