How Divisive Leadership Affects Our Mental Health

A country where the leaders' actions ripple through society, shaping our collective mental health. When leaders gain power, they may lose some of their best qualities, like empathy and fairness. This can lead to behaviors that hurt public trust and unity. A study found that many Americans worry about the country's leadership and that political divisiveness causes anxiety, especially among young adults. They feel helpless and may even develop depression or anxiety. The same thing happens in other countries with authoritarian leaders. In the U. S. , marginalized groups, like immigrants, feel this impact deeply. Their anxiety has increased due to heightened scrutiny and hostility. The same thing happens in workplaces where authoritarian leaders can cause burnout and depression. Schools aren't immune either. Bullying and mental health crises have increased as political discourse influences student behavior. But there's hope. Leaders who are compassionate and inclusive can help communities cope better with crises. During the pandemic, countries with empathetic leaders saw better public health measure compliance and lower distress rates. This shows that leadership styles greatly affect public mental health. As we move forward, leaders will play a big role in how our nation heals or gets more divided. Young people are especially at risk of anxiety and disillusionment if leaders don't embrace empathy and inclusivity. We must demand leaders who prioritize transparency, understanding, and unity. Ethical leadership is crucial in a divided nation.