Prof. Hilik Levkovitz: Uncertainty even after the elections – the impact of political turmoil on the psyche
Prof. Hilik Levkovitz analyzes the mental impact of political uncertainty in Israel after the elections, explaining how uncertainty activates the stress response system and increases anxiety. He cites a 2024 American survey and warns against 'doom-scrolling'.
Prof. Hilik Levkovitz, a professor of psychiatry and brain researcher, analyzes the mental impact of political uncertainty in Israel after the elections. He explains that uncertainty is a powerful catalyst for anxiety, activating the stress response system (HPA axis) which releases cortisol and adrenaline, leading to constant vigilance. Levkovitz cites a 2024 survey by the American Psychological Association, in which 69% of respondents reported that the elections are a significant source of stress. He describes the phenomenon of 'cumulative stress' in Israel, where the nervous system worn down by security concerns increases sensitivity to additional stressors. The article warns against 'doom-scrolling' – obsessive consumption of news that increases anxiety, and offers research-based recommendations for reducing stress, including maintaining a routine and seeking professional help if necessary.