When Politics Impacts Mental Health

In this episode of All Things Mental Health, Mike and Joi take on a topic that feels especially urgent right now: political trauma.

Joined by guest Phil Smith, they explore the emotional toll of today’s political climate, including fear, anger, grief, helplessness, social isolation, and the strain political division can place on families, friendships, faith communities, and everyday life. Together, they talk honestly about what it means to live in a culture where many people no longer feel safe expressing their beliefs, where media and social media intensify conflict, and where constant exposure to distressing news can leave people overwhelmed and emotionally exhausted.

Mike, Joi, and Phil reflect on the ways political stress can show up in the body and mind, why people may respond with avoidance or boundary-setting, and how community support can help people cope.

This episode is a candid, compassionate look at how the current political environment affects mental health and why safe spaces for conversation, support, and healing matter.