Canadians Grapple with anxiety Amidst Trump’s Policies
Table of Contents
- Canadians Grapple with anxiety Amidst Trump’s Policies
- Canadians Grapple with Anxiety Amidst Trump’s Policies: A Q&A Guide
From financial worries to fears about the future, Canadians are increasingly expressing anxiety related to the political climate in the United States. Concerns over potential economic impacts and shifts in international relations are weighing heavily on the minds of many.
Steve Whitwill is losing sleep, Louisa Fenner is worried about her finances, and Crysta Balis is fearful for her children’s future.
The source of their anxiety is U.S. President Donald Trump, and the three were among those who gathered outside the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa this week to protest and express those fears. But it’s not just people at protests who are worried.
During his first term, Trump provoked a wave of anxiety among many Americans. In the first 45 days of his second term, the 47th president has spread fear north of the border.
This is not the occasional person that is experiencing this. This is across the board.
The sentiment comes from therapists who report hearing similar concerns from clients. She added that she was also fielding calls from American therapists asking about coming to work in Canada.
“They don’t feel safe working in the States,” she said. “I’ve actually had American therapists reach out to see if they can come and work in Canada … It’s not onyl clients, but therapists as well who are feeling this strain.”
‘Keeps Me awake at Night’
Speaking outside the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa earlier this week, Steve Whitwill, 72, said watching Trump on television made his blood pressure spike.
He fears that if Trump does not bring Canada to its knees economically, the United States would use military force against its northern neighbor.
“[It] keeps me awake at night,” he said. “I listen to music if I can’t get to sleep.”
Ottawa psychologist Julie Beaulac advises those experiencing anxiety over the political climate to check in with themselves before checking the news.
“Create a practice to check in with yourself,” she told CBC. “Whether it be some sort of mindfulness, or breath work, or exercise, or spending time in nature with loved ones or a pet — to start your day by laying the foundation for getting curious rather than judgmental.”
‘Anxiety for My Kids’ Future’
Outside the U.S. Embassy this week, Crysta Balis held a sign reading, “We serve poutine not Putin.” But she was serious when talking about her fears for her children’s future.
“They’ve lived the best, freest years of their life so far,” she said.
Protesting was a concrete action she could take to address her anxiety,Balis said.
“I needed to do something.I needed to feel like I was part of something,” she said. “And I’m showing my kids that we fight for freedom.”
What to tell children about the political situation is a challenge for parents, according to Jessica Kurta, a clinical psychologist and owner of Sherwood Psychology in Ottawa. Some of her clients have mentioned their children feeling more anxious than usual.
“We really want to meet them where they’re at and say, ‘What have you heard?’,” she advises parents. “You want to keep it age-appropriate, right? You don’t want to give needless details or kind of delve deeply into topics that they’re just not ready for.”
‘What Do I Do?’
While Trump said on Thursday he’s pausing most tariffs until April 2, many Canadians are still worried about the economic impacts.
“I’m within 10 years of retirement and I’m watching my RSP [Retirement Savings Plan] fall as of the tariff threats,” said Louisa Fenner.
Fenner said she’s now seeking to limit her exposure to risk and is looking into investing in canadian businesses. “I wrote to my broker at the very beginning of all of this and said, ‘What do I do?'”
David McGruer, a financial advisor with Investia Financial Services in Ottawa, has also heard from clients who are worried about their investments. He said his job was to plan around political uncertainty and provide reassurance to spooked clients.
“The therapy that we provide,” he said, “is: ‘Yes, you will be OK. We’ve seen this before. … It isn’t going to break your financial plan.'”
‘The Reality of the Moment’
Whether Canadians anxious about Trump seek financial advice or psychotherapy, they are likely to receive partial solutions.
“It’s borderline unethical to try to convince someone to be OK when the things around them are not OK,” Ottawa psychologist Jordan Ali told CBC.
“Psychotherapy has to be integrated with a recognition of the reality at the moment.”
While he did not always have answers, Ali said for his clients, just sharing their experiences could be beneficial.
“Just to know that they’re not alone in experiencing those things and not necessarily off the mark for experiencing those fears,” Ali said.
The anxieties expressed by Canadians highlight the interconnectedness of nations and the widespread impact of political decisions. As the situation evolves, individuals are seeking various coping mechanisms, from financial planning to psychotherapy, to navigate these uncertain times.
Canadians Grapple with Anxiety Amidst Trump’s Policies: A Q&A Guide
The political climate in the united States, particularly under President Donald Trump, has sparked anxiety among Canadians.Concerns range from economic impacts and financial stability to fears about the future and international relations. This Q&A explores these anxieties and offers insights from experts on navigating these uncertain times.
What are the primary sources of anxiety for Canadians regarding U.S. politics, specifically concerning Donald Trump?
Canadians are experiencing anxiety stemming from several key areas:
economic Impacts: Concerns over potential tariffs, trade disruptions, and their effects on the Canadian economy, including personal investments and retirement savings.
Geopolitical Uncertainty: Fears about shifts in international relations, potential military actions, and the overall stability of the Canada-U.S. relationship.
Future for Children: Worries about the kind of world and future that children will inherit amidst political instability and shifting global dynamics.
Safety and Security: Some therapists have reported fielding calls from American therapists looking to move to Canada due to safety concerns in the US.
How widespread is this anxiety among Canadians?
The anxiety isn’t limited to specific groups.therapists report hearing similar concerns from clients across the board, indicating a widespread unease related to the U.S. political climate. This anxiety extends to financial advisors who are receiving worried calls from clients about their investments.
addressing Financial Concerns
What financial concerns are Canadians experiencing due to U.S. political policies?
Many Canadians are worried about:
Retirement Savings: Watching their Retirement Savings Plans (RSPs) decline due to tariff threats and market volatility.
Investments: General uncertainty about the stability of their investments and the potential for losses due to political and economic instability.
What advice are financial advisors giving to concerned Canadians?
Financial advisors emphasize the importance of:
Planning Around Uncertainty: Creating financial plans that account for political and economic fluctuations.
Reassurance: Reminding clients that market volatility is normal and that financial plans are designed to withstand such periods.
Diversification: Exploring options like investing in Canadian businesses to limit exposure to international risks.
Coping Mechanisms and Mental Health Strategies
What coping mechanisms are Canadians using to deal with this anxiety?
Canadians are employing various strategies, including:
Protesting: Participating in protests and demonstrations to express their concerns and feel like they are taking action.
Seeking Financial Advice: consulting with financial advisors to manage investments and mitigate financial risks.
Psychotherapy: Talking to therapists and mental health professionals to process their anxieties and develop coping strategies.
Mindfulness and Self-Care: Engaging in activities like mindfulness, breath work, exercise, and spending time in nature to manage stress and anxiety.
What advice are psychologists giving to Canadians anxious about the political climate?
Psychologists recommend:
Checking In With Yourself: Creating a daily practice of self-reflection and mindfulness before consuming news.
Age-Appropriate Dialog with Children: Answering children’s questions about politics honestly, but without overwhelming them with unnecessary details.
Acknowledging Reality: Recognizing and validating the legitimacy of their anxieties, rather than trying to suppress them.
Sharing Experiences: Finding support in shared experiences and recognizing that they are not alone in their fears.
Focus on Controllable Actions: Identify things within their control and take purposeful action to address anxiety
Expert Perspectives
What are the perspectives of mental health professionals on this issue?
Jessica Kurta (Sherwood Psychology): Emphasizes the importance of meeting children where they are at and providing age-appropriate explanations about political events.
Julie Beaulac (Ottawa Psychologist): recommends starting the day with self-care practices to cultivate a sense of curiosity rather than judgment.
* Jordan Ali (Ottawa Psychologist): Argues that it is crucial to acknowledge the reality of the situation and validate people’s anxieties,rather than trying to dismiss them.
Impact on Therapists
How is the political climate affecting therapists themselves?
Some American therapists are experiencing so much anxiety that they are exploring opportunities to work in Canada, seeking a safer and more stable habitat.
summary of Coping strategies for Political Anxiety
| Strategy | Description |
| ——————– | ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————– |
| Mindfulness | Practicing present-moment awareness through techniques like meditation and deep breathing. |
| Self-Care | Engaging in activities that promote physical and mental well-being, such as exercise, healthy eating, and spending time with loved ones. |
| Limit News Intake | Setting boundaries around news consumption to avoid feeling overwhelmed by negative information. |
| Seek Support | Talking to friends, family, or a therapist about your feelings and concerns. |
| Take Action | Engaging in activities like volunteering, advocacy, or peaceful protests to feel empowered and make a difference. |
| Financial Planning | Consulting with a financial advisor to create a plan that addresses economic uncertainties. |
| Acknowledge Feelings| Recogninzing and validating the anxiety as legitimate |
Conclusion
The anxiety experienced by Canadians in response to the U.S. political climate highlights the interconnectedness of nations and the far-reaching impacts of political decisions.By understanding the sources of this anxiety and adopting effective coping strategies, individuals can navigate these uncertain times with greater resilience and peace of mind.
