As Hungary gears up for the upcoming elections, experts warn that the nation’s political campaigns are taking a serious toll on citizens’ mental and physical well-being. While campaigning is an expected feature of democratic life, the pervasive fear-driven messaging and relentless political advertising are creating what psychologists call “election stress disorder”.
Fear, stress, and the body-mind connection during election campaigns
According to András Siewert, a crisis management specialist and leader at Migration Aid, humans are evolutionarily programmed to scan their environment for threats. The nervous system does not distinguish between real physical dangers and constructed political threats. “The same stress responses occur whether you face a wild animal or hear news warning that Brussels, migrants, or Soros threaten your life,” Siewert explained to Népszava.
This chronic exposure to anxiety-inducing messages (via billboards, media campaigns, and social media) prevents the body from returning to a calm state. Over time, this continuous alertness can lead to neurological changes, psychosomatic complaints, and a rise in physical and mental illnesses. Health statistics from the past two decades reflect this, with increases in ADHD, autism spectrum diagnoses, and behavioural problems among children: conditions partially linked to the heightened stress experienced in their households.
Chronic stress: From acute threats to everyday anxiety
Family doctor Gabriella Mangó observes that patients now present not only with seasonal illnesses but also with stress-related symptoms directly linked to societal uncertainty. Chronic anxiety manifests in disrupted sleep, back and hip pain, and psychosomatic complaints. She recalls a patient who feared a government-imposed curfew after seeing an old Facebook post: an eerie example of how political messaging can distort perception and provoke real fear.
With societal systems appearing opaque and unpredictable, even basic healthcare access becomes a source of anxiety. In this environment, doctors often act as social mediators, offering not just medical care but also guidance, lifestyle advice, and stress relief techniques to help patients cope.
“Kill the messenger”: When political messaging backfires
The long-term use of fear-based political communication is not without consequences. As Siewert notes, the “kill the messenger” effect occurs when the nervous system reacts against constant threats that cannot be resolved. Once acute stress becomes chronic, individuals may begin rejecting the source of anxiety altogether, leading to disengagement, scepticism, or even aggression toward the communicators.
This psychological response is evident in Hungary’s political landscape, where new parties like the Tisza Party have gained traction by offering calm, reassurance, and a break from fear-driven narratives.
Coping strategies: Finding calm in the political noise
Research indicates that perpetual campaign stress contributes to family conflicts, isolation, and emotional exhaustion. The American Psychological Association found that 69% of U.S. adults reported elections as a major source of stress in 2024, up from 52% in 2016. Over 60% said political cycles negatively impacted their mental health, with many experiencing anxiety and fear.
Experts encourage citizens to consciously disengage from the political noise, focus on personal well-being, and prioritise supportive relationships. These measures are crucial in a climate of deepening political polarisation, helping prevent social rifts and the development of stress-related illness.