In times of political uncertainty, fear can feel overwhelming. Whether it’s due to policy changes, civil unrest, or a sense of instability, political uncertainity can take a toll on mental well-being. However, history has shown that resilience is possible, and there are practical ways to manage fear, stay informed, and maintain a sense of control. This guide offers insights into understanding fear during political crises and actionable steps to cope with it.
Understanding Fear in Times of Unrest
Fear is a natural response to change and the unknown. They activate the body's fight-or-flight response, preparing us to react to potential danger. However, when political uncertainity is ongoing, this response can become chronic, leading to anxiety, stress, and even feelings of helplessness.
History provides insight into how societies have coped with fear. Psychologists like Viktor Frankl and Erich Fromm studied how individuals responded to oppressive regimes and societal collapse. Frankl’s work emphasized finding meaning in suffering, while Fromm explored the psychological appeal of authoritarianism in times of uncertainty. Understanding these dynamics can help us navigate our own fears today.
*If you’d like to read more on these psychological phenomena studies, here’s a list of recommended reading:
- Milgram’s Obedience Experiments (1961)
- Stanley Milgram’s famous study showed that ordinary people could be led to commit harmful acts under authoritative orders, even against their own moral conscience.
- Relevance: Demonstrates obedience to authority as a key factor in political violence and authoritarian rule.
- Asch Conformity Experiments (1951, 1955)
- Solomon Asch’s experiment demonstrated how individuals conform to group pressure, even when the group is clearly wrong. Participants gave incorrect answers to match the majority.
- Relevance: Shows how social conformity can lead people to accept and support authoritarian norms, even against their own judgment.
- Zimbardo’s Stanford Prison Experiment (1971)
- This study simulated a prison environment, showing how quickly people conform to roles of power and submission, leading to cruel and authoritarian behavior.
- Relevance: Highlights how situational forces and group identity can foster oppressive and authoritarian behavior.
- Tajfel & Turner’s Social Identity Theory (1979)
- Explores how people categorize themselves into in-groups and out-groups, leading to favoritism toward one’s own group and discrimination against outsiders.
- Relevance: Explains how in-group/out-group thinking fuels political unrest, ethnic conflict, and nationalism.
- Moghaddam’s Staircase to Terrorism Model (2005)
- This model describes how individuals move from feeling marginalized to embracing extremist ideologies, often within authoritarian or violent movements.
- Relevance: Explains how radicalization occurs in response to political oppression.
- The Robbers Cave Experiment (Sherif, 1954)
- A study on intergroup conflict where two groups of boys, placed in competition, quickly developed hostility and aggression toward one another.
- Relevance: Demonstrates how social divisions can escalate into conflict and violence.
- The Just-World Hypothesis (Lerner, 1965)
- Suggests that people rationalize injustice by blaming victims, reinforcing systemic inequalities and supporting oppressive regimes.
- Relevance: Helps explain public acceptance of authoritarian policies and political violence.
- The Authoritarian Personality (Adorno et al., 1950)
- This study examined personality traits linked to authoritarianism, arguing that individuals with rigid thinking, submission to authority, and hostility toward outsiders were more prone to support authoritarian regimes.
- Relevance: Explains psychological predispositions that make people susceptible to authoritarian leaders.
The Banality of Evil and the Role of Fear
Hannah Arendt’s concept of the “banality of evil” reminds us that harmful political movements often emerge not from overt malice, but from ordinary people following orders without question. Fear can make individuals more susceptible to accepting injustice as the norm, often to avoid personal risk or discomfort. Recognizing this can empower us to remain vigilant, critically evaluate information, and uphold ethical standards, even when it feels difficult.
Practical Strategies for Coping with Political Fear
1. Limit Exposure to Distressing News
While staying informed is important, excessive consumption of negative news can heighten anxiety. Set boundaries by:
- Choosing reputable news sources over sensationalist media
- Allocating specific times for checking the news rather than constant updates
- Balancing distressing content with positive stories of resilience and progress
2. Engage in Critical Thinking
Misinformation spreads rapidly during political crises, often fueling unnecessary fear. Strengthen your ability to assess information by:
- Cross-referencing facts from multiple reliable sources
- Questioning emotionally charged rhetoric and political propaganda
- Encouraging respectful discussions rather than reactionary debates
3. Focus on What You Can Control
One of the most effective ways to reduce fear is to take constructive action. Consider:
- Civic Engagement: Voting, contacting representatives, or peacefully protesting
- Community Support: Volunteering for organizations that align with your values
- Personal Growth: Learning about history, law, or social justice to feel more informed and empowered
4. Prioritize Mental and Emotional Well-being
Fear thrives when we neglect self-care. To maintain balance:
- Practice mindfulness or meditation to ground yourself in the present
- Engage in physical activities that help relieve stress
- Maintain social connections with supportive friends and family
- Seek out a therapist with whom you can talk through these fears with on a regular basis.
5. Seek Hope and Perspective
History has shown that societies endure and evolve. While political uncertainty can be distressing, recognizing long-term progress can provide hope. Reflect on:
- How past civil rights movements led to greater freedoms and protections
- How humanity has overcome crises, wars, and political oppression through collective resilience
- The power of individual and community efforts in shaping positive change
Fear during political uncertainty is natural, but it doesn’t have to define our lives. By understanding historical patterns, recognizing the psychological effects of fear, and taking meaningful action, we can build resilience and maintain hope.
While we may not control political events, we can control how we respond to them—with awareness, integrity, and courage. The key to coping with fear is not to let it paralyze us but to use it as a catalyst for thoughtful engagement and positive action.