Many Canadians are experiencing heightened anxiety, fear, and helplessness due to U.S. President Donald Trump's policies, including his tariff war with Canada and threats to make Canada the "51st state." Protesters in Vancouver voiced their frustrations, and individuals shared how the political turmoil is affecting their mental health.

In an era of political unpredictability, the psychological impact of chronic exposure to political stress has become a significant concern. Research in psychology has increasingly demonstrated that sustained engagement with political turmoil—whether through media consumption, policy changes, or direct activism—can contribute to elevated stress levels, anxiety, and even trauma-related symptoms (Hogg et al., 2021).

Recent polling data reveals a significant shift in Canadian public opinion in response to the United States' tariffs on Canadian goods. A February 2025 survey by the Angus Reid Institute found that 91% of Canadians desired to reduce reliance on the U.S. as a trading partner. Additionally, there was a notable increase in national pride, with more Canadians reporting a deep attachment to their country compared to previous surveys. ​

​Recent polling data reflects a significant shift in Canadian public opinion in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's proposed tariffs and annexation remarks:​

• Ipsos Poll (February 2025): 68% of Canadians expressed a diminished view of the United States due to Trump's tariff threats, with 67% indicating intentions to avoid purchasing U.S.-made goods and 65% planning to avoid travel to the U.S.  Wikipedia
• Angus Reid Institute Survey (February 2025): 91% of Canadians favored reducing reliance on the U.S. as a trading partner, with a notable increase in national pride compared to previous surveys. ​Angus Reid
• Leger Poll (February 2025): 70% of Canadians supported implementing retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports, reflecting strong opposition to U.S. trade policies. ​baytoday.ca
• Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) Poll (January 2025): 90% of Canadians supported an investment plan to bolster the economy and protect domestic industries in response to U.S. tariff threats. ​canadianlabour.ca
• Abacus Data Survey (January 2025): 81% of Canadians anticipated adverse outcomes from a potential 25% U.S. tariff on Canadian goods, with 46% predicting extremely negative impacts. ​abacusdata.ca

These findings underscore a robust Canadian consensus against U.S. tariff proposals and a heightened commitment to economic self-reliance.​

The tariffs have also influenced consumer behavior. Approximately 85% of Canadians reported actively seeking and purchasing domestically produced goods over American products. This shift is part of a broader "Buy Canadian" movement gaining momentum nationwide. ​

Travel patterns have been affected as well. An Ipsos poll indicated that 65% of Canadians are now less likely to travel to the United States, reflecting growing apprehension and a desire to support domestic tourism. ​

These findings underscore a significant change in Canadian sentiment, highlighting increased national pride and a move towards economic self-reliance in light of recent U.S. trade policies.​

The Relationship Between Political Stress and Mental Health

Political stress is not merely a source of frustration; it functions as a form of chronic stress, which is known to have profound effects on psychological and physical health. Chronic stress occurs when individuals experience prolonged exposure to stressors they cannot control, leading to increased cortisol production and heightened physiological arousal (McEwen & Gianaros, 2011). This can contribute to anxiety disorders, depression, and even somatic conditions such as cardiovascular disease and weakened immune function (Cohen et al., 2012).

Research suggests that political events, including elections, policy changes, and global conflicts, can be potent chronic stressors. The American Psychological Association's (APA) “Stress in America” report (2022) revealed that 77% of adults in the U.S. cited concerns about the future of their nation as a significant source of stress. Similarly, in Canada, political and economic anxieties linked to U.S. policies, including tariffs and international trade conflicts, have heightened national stress levels (Angus Reid Institute, 2025).

Election-Related Stress

The notion of election stress has emerged to describe the heightened emotional distress experienced during and after high-stakes political events. Research has found that following the 2016 U.S. presidential election, many individuals reported experiencing symptoms characteristic of trauma. including hypervigilance, intrusive thoughts, and emotional dysregulation (Holman et al., 2019). Notably, therapists in the U.S. observed a sharp increase in clients reporting election-related stress, with some experiencing symptoms severe enough to impact daily functioning (APA, 2020).

 Holman et al. (2019) found that the emotional impact of the 2016 election extended well beyond election night. Among those who did not support Donald Trump, levels of distress remained significantly high for months after the election, whereas Trump supporters reported increased positive emotions. This divergence in emotional responses underscores the complex psychological mechanisms, where political outcomes can elicit both euphoria and despair depending on individual ideological alignment.

Recent studies have found that exposure to political stress is linked with poorer physical and emotional health, and that most therapists report that their patients discuss politics in their sessions. Other studies have found that, after the 2020 presidential election, people reported election-related post-traumatic stress.

Last fall, the American Psychological Association (APA) warned that election stress can harm health. In the U.S., 77 per cent of adults in the APA's Stress in America report cited the future of their nation as a significant source of stress. 

In general, chronic stress harms psychological and physical well-being. It takes a toll on our bodies," Brett Ford, an associate professor of psychology at the University of Toronto who studies the link between emotions and political engagement, said in the APA's news release.

"There is a strong case to be made that for many people, politics is a form of chronic stress."

Another study of U.S. psychotherapists conducted during Trump's first presidency found that they reported their patients who were not Trump supporters experienced decreases in positive emotions after the 2016 election. The opposite phenomenon was found for patients who did support Trump.

Media Consumption and the Stress Response

The constant influx of political news—exacerbated by the 24/7 news cycle and social media—has contributed to information overload, further intensifying stress responses (Friesen, 2025). Neuroscientific research has shown that excessive engagement with distressing political content can lead to amygdala hyperactivation, triggering heightened emotional reactivity and chronic stress responses (Pessoa, 2017).

Additionally, studies suggest that doomscrolling—compulsively consuming negative news—can exacerbate mental health symptoms, leading to increased levels of anxiety and depression (Pew Research Center, 2021). The tendency for social media algorithms to prioritize controversial or fear-inducing content further amplifies these effects, making it difficult for individuals to disengage from distressing political narratives (Guess et al., 2020).

Psychological Theories on Coping with Political Stress

Several psychological theories provide insight into how individuals process and cope with chronic political stress:

• Lazarus and Folkman’s (1984) Stress and Coping Theory: This model emphasizes that stress arises when individuals perceive a situation as exceeding their coping resources. When people feel powerless to influence change, stress levels rise in the political realm. Activism, voting, or community involvement can serve as adaptive coping mechanisms.
• Terror Management Theory (TMT) (Greenberg et al., 1986) suggests that reminders of existential threats—such as political instability or authoritarian governance—heighten anxiety and lead individuals to seek comfort in their ideological beliefs. This may explain why political polarization increases during times of national crisis.
• Learned Helplessness Theory (Seligman, 1972): When individuals feel unable to control political outcomes, they may develop a sense of learned helplessness, characterized by passivity, resignation, and depressive symptoms. Encouraging civic engagement and emphasizing small, actionable steps can help counteract this effect.

Mitigating the Psychological Impact of Political Stress

While political stress is inevitable in today’s information-saturated world, there are strategies individuals can adopt to protect their mental health:

• Cognitive Reframing: Challenging catastrophic thoughts and focusing on aspects of political engagement within one’s control can help reduce stress.
• Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Meditation, deep breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation can reduce physiological stress responses.
• Setting Media Boundaries: Limiting news consumption to specific times of the day and relying on reputable sources can help mitigate anxiety.
• Engaging in Positive Political Action: Volunteering, voting, and participating in civic discussions can help individuals feel empowered rather than helpless.
• Seeking Social Support: Engaging with like-minded communities can provide emotional validation and a sense of solidarity.

As political instability continues to shape public discourse, it is crucial to acknowledge the mental health consequences of chronic political stress. By understanding the psychological mechanisms, individuals can adopt evidence-based strategies to mitigate stress and preserve their well-being. The intersection of politics and psychology is an increasingly relevant field, underscoring the need for informed interventions and public awareness campaigns to address the growing burden of political stress.

Summary

The escalating tariff war between Canada and the United States, alongside U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats to annex Canada as the "51st state," has created significant anxiety, fear, and stress among Canadians. Many are experiencing chronic political stress, leading to heightened mental health concerns, as reflected in recent polls showing a surge in national pride, increased economic self-reliance, and avoidance of U.S. goods and travel.

Research highlights how chronic exposure to political turmoil can lead to elevated stress, anxiety, and trauma-related symptoms. Studies show that political stress functions as a persistent stressor, increasing cortisol levels and exacerbating conditions such as depression, cardiovascular disease, and weakened immunity (McEwen & Gianaros, 2011; Cohen et al., 2012).

Election-related stress has also been well-documented, with research indicating that major political events can cause trauma symptoms (Holman et al., 2019). The 24/7 news cycle and doomscrolling further amplify distress, reinforcing feelings of powerlessness and anxiety (Friesen, 2025).

Polling data demonstrates a growing anti-U.S. sentiment and a shift toward economic self-reliance:

• 91% of Canadians support reducing trade reliance on the U.S. (Angus Reid Institute, 2025).
• 85% are actively choosing Canadian-made products over American alternatives.
• 70% favor retaliatory tariffs against U.S. goods (Leger, 2025).
• 65% are now less likely to travel to the U.S. (Ipsos, 2025).

These findings underscore a significant national shift, driven by a perception of U.S. economic policies as a direct threat to Canadian sovereignty and stability.

Psychological research suggests several ways to mitigate the effects of chronic political stress:

• Cognitive Reframing: Shifting focus from helplessness to actionable solutions (Lazarus & Folkman, 1984).
• Mindfulness & Relaxation: Meditation and breathing exercises to regulate emotional responses.
• Limiting Media Exposure: Avoiding excessive consumption of distressing political news.
• Engaging in Civic Action: Participating in activism, economic initiatives (e.g., "Buy Canadian" movement), and community discussions to restore a sense of control.
• Social Support & Community Engagement: Strengthening social networks to counter isolation and stress.

As political instability and economic aggression from the U.S. persist, Canadians face a growing mental health burden linked to national sovereignty concerns. However, Canadians can better navigate these challenging times by fostering national unity, financial resilience, and mental well-being strategies. Psychological research underscores the importance of empowerment and collective action in countering political-induced distress and maintaining mental health stability.

Instead of succumbing to fear and helplessness, Canadians can channel their emotions into constructive actions like supporting local businesses, advocating for fair trade policies, and engaging in meaningful discussions. Collective resilience strengthens individual mental well-being and national solidarity, proving that unity and empowerment are potent antidotes to political distress.

Ultimately, while external challenges may persist, the human capacity for adaptation, solidarity, and positive change remains stronger. This reminds us that hope is not just a passive feeling—it is something we cultivate through action, perseverance, and belief in a better future.

References

American Psychological Association (2022). Stress in America Report. Retrieved from www.apa.org

Cohen, S., Janicki-Deverts, D., & Miller, G. E. (2012). Psychological stress and disease. JAMA, 298(14), 1685-1687.

Friesen, A. (2025). Political stress and information overload: How media consumption affects mental health. Canadian Journal of Political Psychology, 12(1), 22–40.

Greenberg, J., Pyszczynski, T., & Solomon, S. (1986). The causes and consequences of a need for self-esteem: A Terror Management Theory. Psychological Bulletin, 110(3), 433-450.

Guess, A., Nyhan, B., & Reifler, J. (2020). Exposure to misinformation on social media and its effects on beliefs. Nature Communications, 11(1), 558.

Holman, E. A., Garfin, D. R., & Silver, R. C. (2019). Media exposure to collective trauma, political unrest, and mental health. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 116(23), 11693–11702.

Hogg, M. A., Smith, J. R., & Meehan, C. (2021). Political identity and stress: How political divisions shape emotional well-being. Annual Review of Political Psychology, 14(1), 73–96.

Lazarus, R. S., & Folkman, S. (1984). Stress, appraisal, and coping. Springer Publishing.

McEwen, B. S., & Gianaros, P. J. (2011). Stress- and allostasis-induced brain plasticity. Annual Review of Medicine, 62(1), 431-445.

Pessoa, L. (2017). The amygdala and emotion. Journal of Neuroscience, 37(14), 3327–3339.

Pew Research Center (2021). The psychological impact of media consumption on political anxiety. Retrieved from www.pewresearch.org

Seligman, M. E. P. (1972). Learned helplessness. Annual Review of Medicine, 23(1), 407-412.