Orchid genes, outrage, and the overwhelmed mind

Have you found yourself feeling overwhelmed recently with constant news about unsettling political events and controversies? With news of mass layoffs, policy changes, and deportations, it’s easy to feel anxious about the current state of the country, and these external stressors can greatly impact our mental health.

In this blog, we will explore the psychological impacts of political stress, dive into genetic factors that can influence our sensitivity to these stressors, and share some tips for how to protect our mental health amidst a turbulent political climate.

Understanding Political Stress and its Psychological Impact

Political stress refers to feelings of anxiety and distress that result from exposure to or involvement in political events and societal conflicts. Symptoms can include high blood pressure, weight changes, disrupted sleep, and an uptick in substance use. One of the most common factors leading to this stress is our constant exposure to the news, as political uncertainty and division dominate news cycles. In an era where we are more connected to the news than ever before, the constant barrage of information can feel impossible to escape.

In fact, studies have shown that political stress widely affects the population. According to a 2024 study by the American Psychological Association, 77% of adults reported that the future of the nation is significant source of stress in their lives and 41% of adults reported the state of the nation has made them consider leaving the United States to move to another country. Furthermore, research shows that there is a direct correlation between political stress and mental well-being, with increased rates of anxiety and depression observed during periods of political unrest.

Studies also indicate that some individuals may be predisposed to political stress due to their genetic makeup. These individuals may carry “orchid genes,” otherwise known as genetic variants that cause them to be more susceptible to stress in negative environments. However, under the right conditions, these genes can be “bio-hacked” to allow an individual to thrive and more effectively handle their stressors.

Orchid Genes and Sensitivity to Political Stress

An individual’s genetic makeup can play a significant role in how they respond to political stress. There are three key orchid genes – genes that are highly sensitive to one’s environment- that play a role in mood regulation and stress response:

• SLC6A4 – The Serotonin Transporter Gene

The SLC6A4 gene encodes the serotonin transporter, which regulates serotonin levels in the brain, contributing to mood regulation and anxiety. Variants of this gene are linked to increased levels of anxiety and depression, and thus, people with these variants may experience heightened stress from political conflict.

2. COMT – The Catechol-O-Methyltransferase Gene

The COMT gene encodes an enzyme called catechol-o-methyltransferase which breaks down substances called catecholamines, including dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. In certain individuals, a genetic variant causes a valine amino acid to be replaced with methionine, altering the structure of the enzyme and preventing it from functioning properly. Unable to properly break down dopamine, individuals with this variant have increased levels of dopamine in the prefrontal cortex, which can enhance memory but at the same time may increase stress.

3. OXTR – The Oxytocin Receptor Gene

The OXTR gene encodes the oxytocin receptor. As oxytocin plays a vital role in social bonding, maternal behavior, sociability, and anxiety, individuals with variants of this gene may experience increased sensitivity to social environments and stress due to high receptor sensitivity.

While people with COMT, OXTR, and SLC6A4 variants may be more susceptible to stress in the wrong conditions, there are things we can alter, known as epigenetic factors, that can create a nurturing environment for these genes, helping to mitigate their negative effects.

Coping Strategies for Managing Political Stress

Creating a supportive, low-stress environment is vital for those with orchid genes, as it can help counteract their heightened sensitivity to stress. Here are some strategies to help cultivate such an environment and support one’s mental health:

Limit News Consumption

While staying informed is no doubt important, constant exposure to negative news can be stressful and overwhelming. Set boundaries to how much time you spend consuming news. You may consider selecting a couple days each week to tune out the news, giving your mind a break from the constant stress of political events.

Engage in Physical Activity

Exercise can be a terrific way to combat political stress, as physical activity releases endorphins that improve mood and decrease stress. Whether it’s a daily walk, a casual swim, yoga, or a trip to the gym, adding some movement into your routine can be a great way to manage political stress.

Practice Mindfulness

Practices like mindfulness and meditation have been shown to help calm the nervous system. If fact, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is associated with a significant reduction in anxiety and an increase in positive self-statements. Adding mindfulness meditation to your daily or even weekly routine can help center your thoughts and reduce stress.

Seek Therapy and Counseling

Talking to someone else about your feelings can be incredibly helpful in managing stress. Qualified mental health professionals can help you develop strategies for reframing your thoughts, developing productive coping strategies, and reducing feelings of anxiety.

Consider Medication

Medication can be an extremely helpful tool for those experiencing high levels of stress. By modulating neurotransmitter levels, such as serotonin, oxytocin, and dopamine, medications can help an individual improve mood and behavior. You may consider genetic testing which can help pinpoint which medications may be a good fit for you based on your unique genetic profile.

Conclusion

It is completely normal to be overwhelmed and anxious about the current state of the country. However, you do not have to navigate these challenges alone. Seeking help through self-care and therapeutic support is essential for maintaining mental health during periods of high stress. If you find yourself particularly affected by current political events, please don’t hesitate to seek help – at the end of the day, your mental health is far more important than any political debate.

References:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5101554/

https://www.michiganmedicine.org/health-lab/5-ways-manage-politically-induced-stress

https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2024/10/top-us-stressors?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0266562&utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3266986/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10839968/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3772979/