How a negative political atmosphere can affect you

PHOENIX, Ariz. (KSAZ) - Election day is coming and many will heave a sigh of relief that it's over. For those feeling stressed lately, don't discount what a negative political environment can do to your mental health.

"We can't always get away from it because it's all over all the time," said Anna Prassa, a grief and loss counselor.

Everywhere you turn, a political ad, your TV, social media and text messages.

"I listen to the radio more than I watch TV so it makes me want to change the station," said Jamie Taylor.

But even if you turn the channel are you really shutting of the noise? Grief and loss counselor, Anna Prassa says no. It's still on emotionally.

"Even though we turn it off intellectually, we're still affected by it, as basic humans that are susceptible to either being in a positive or negative environment," said Prassa.

We have a basic human need to feel safe, but many people are feeling everything but that.

"I have heard people say they're feeling unsafe for putting up any political signs for fear of having their home destroyed or personal damage done to them. What does that do to us personally and internally," says Prassa.

Prassa says the negative climate is bringing fear, anxiety, anger, mistrust, fatigue and emotions of feeling overwhelmed and sleeplessness.

With midterm elections this week, political ads continue.