ELECTION CAMPAIGN

What is happening to us – and how do we handle the pressure?

Hungary will vote on Sunday. One of the most intense election campaigns of recent decades is drawing to a close. Hardly a day has passed without a significant development, while political communication — often built on fear-based messaging — has not spared even the holiday period. In an already overloaded information environment, this pressure weighs especially heavily on us. The question is no longer whether it affects us, but what it does to us — and how we can deal with it psychologically. Psychologist Attila Póth sheds light on these underlying processes.

What is happening to people during such a tense period?

There is an overwhelming level of noise and information around us. It is not enough to cope with our daily responsibilities — politics also forces its way into our lives. In this year’s campaign, fear-mongering and alarmist messaging have played a significant role. Heightened emotional activation may occur within us. Our nervous system shifts into a “standby mode”: we monitor threats, react more quickly, and find it harder to slow down. In such situations, our thinking can narrow, and “us vs. them” patterns become more pronounced. Our mood may become more subdued, and we tire more easily, as our bodies remain in a constant state of alert due to perceived threat. Continuous, chronic stress is extremely demanding and exhausting. When we constantly hear messages such as “war is coming,” “executions will happen,” or “we are in danger,” this is not just information. Our nervous system perceives it as a real threat. As a result, our bodies remain in a constant state of readiness, we become more irritable and anxious, and sleep disturbances may occur.

What do fear and uncertainty do to us?

Fear drives us to seek safety. In such situations, we are more likely to turn to simple explanations, clear-cut statements, strong leaders, or groups. Uncertainty increases anxiety and reduces our capacity for critical thinking. We shift into survival mode. We become less tolerant of those who differ from us and tend to align with the majority, as this may feel like a condition for social survival — avoiding exclusion. In times of perceived danger, the demand for strong, decisive leadership increases, and we may be more willing to give up certain freedoms in exchange for a sense of security. Critical thinking weakens, and we may become more susceptible to scapegoating. All of this is a natural response shaped by evolution to support survival.

How do continuous negative messages affect us?

They can create a prolonged state of stress. We may become more tired, more irritable, and more likely to overestimate threats. Over time, this tension can become normalised, as if it were the natural state of the world. The constant stream of hostility and fear-based messaging does not come without consequences: anxiety and fear can become persistent. We remain in a constant state of alert, as if danger were ever-present. Sleep disturbances may occur, and prolonged tension can lead to exhaustion and burnout as it gradually depletes our energy. It also fosters distrust toward others, leading to isolation and weakening social connections.

How can we protect ourselves from fear-inducing messages?

The first step is awareness: recognising when a message is attempting to influence us emotionally. It helps to seek information from multiple sources and to limit our overall media consumption. It is also important to occasionally step away from the news and reconnect with our immediate reality. A paradox may arise: while reliable information could reduce our fear, we may lack the time, energy, or motivation to identify which sources are trustworthy. We do not need to read or scroll through everything. Filtering content is essential. It is important to rely on credible sources. Knowledge, understanding, and critical thinking are key protective factors against false, manipulative, and inflammatory content. A more nuanced understanding of reality can help reduce excessive fear and strengthen our sense of security. Supportive relationships also matter — people with whom we feel safe and accepted, who listen to us and accept us even if they disagree. If we consume only content that aligns with our own views, we remain in a bubble: it may provide a sense of comfort, but it does not bring us closer to reality.

How can we maintain our mental balance during a campaign?

What works can differ from person to person. It is important to identify what we truly need and what would bring us a sense of calm. Regulating the nervous system is essential: rest, physical activity, time in nature, and meaningful social connection all play a role. Consciously directing our attention — rather than reacting only to threatening stimuli — helps restore balance. It can also help to share our fears and to reflect on what would happen if an undesired outcome were to occur. What resources do we have? Who can we turn to for support? It is useful to distinguish between what we can influence and what we cannot. Fear-inducing content often triggers immediate, instinctive reactions. Rational thinking alone is not enough at first — we need to calm the nervous system. This can be done through breathing exercises, walking, or meditation. The body signals to the brain that there is no immediate danger. Only then can we become aware of what is happening within us. We can even name the emotion: is it fear, anger, or uncertainty? What triggered it? Is there a real threat right now? Only after this comes cognitive processing and fact-checking. The harmful impact of fear-based campaign messaging is reflected in how long and complex the process is to regulate and neutralise its effects.

How do we deal with disappointment if the outcome is not what we expected?

It is important to allow space for emotions and not rush the process of “moving on.” Disappointment is a natural reaction. It can help to identify what we are feeling — sadness, anger, or disillusionment. Simply recognising these emotions can already reduce their intensity. It may also be helpful to allow ourselves time when we do not have to perform as usual, and to have conversations where the goal is not persuasion, but sharing. Returning to everyday routines — even gradually — helps stabilise our state. Over time, it is also important to reconnect with what remains within our control in our own lives.

What should we do with anger or frustration in such situations?

Anger often stems from a sense of helplessness and is not inherently a problem — rather, it signals that something matters to us. What matters is how we respond. It can help not to act immediately, but to allow time for the intensity of the emotion to subside. Physical release of tension — for example through movement — can also be effective. Often, simply expressing what we feel, either in writing or verbally, can bring relief, without directing it at others. Setting boundaries is particularly important: we do not need to engage in every argument or follow every piece of content. In the longer term, focusing our attention on areas where we have real agency and influence can support a sense of calm.