PROFILE

Ipek Durmaz is a Brooklyn-based content writer and storyteller with a passion for persuasive, academic, and creative writing.

She holds a master’s in media psychology, and her work has been published in magazines, medical blogs, and corporate intranets. 


CONTACT
ipeksudurmaz95@gmail.com
CV 

Education
Master of Arts (M.A.) in Applied Media Psychology
Fielding Graduate University (2026)


Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Teaching English as a Second Language
State University of New York at Cortland (2019)


Employment WRITER/CONTENT STRATEGIST
New York, NY 

1199SEIU Training and Employment Funds
April 2025 – Present

  • Interviewed education program managers and cross-functional stakeholders to translate complex program information into clear, audience-specific content for websites, newsletters, email campaigns, social media, and promotional materials.
  • Wrote and optimized website copy, professional development articles, and intranet news and announcements, improving clarity, accessibility, and consistency across internal and external digital platforms.
  • Developed a publishing workflow and editorial calendar for intranet professional development content.
  • Partnered with program managers to ensure content remained accurate, timely, and aligned with organizational priorities while consistently meeting project deadlines.
  • Coordinated events and interviewed members to draft authentic member stories; established a member story pipeline to support ongoing communications and storytelling initiatives.

SEO COPYWRITER INTERN
New York, NY

LifeMD 
February 2025 – April 2025 

  • Researched peer-reviewed medical literature and healthcare topics to develop accurate, evidence-based content for blogs and landing pages.
  • Conducted keyword research using SEMrush to identify search opportunities and develop SEO-driven content aligned with user intent.
  • Optimized website content using on-page SEO best practices, including keyword placement, metadata, internal linking, and content structure; audited website performance with Screaming Frog to identify and resolve broken links and other technical SEO issues, improving site health and user experience.
  • Managed, updated, and published digital content in Contentful CMS, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and timely delivery across web properties


PROSPECT RESEARCHER

Prasad Consulting & Research
January 2024 – February 2025

  • Utilized prospect research tools such as DonorSearch, iWave and AlumniFinder in addition to public records such as SEC filings to collect constituent biographical data and assess wealth and giving capacity.
  • Input the constituent data into Affiniquest and assign overall account capacity ratings, to influence outreach strategy.
  • Conducted in-depth research to identify and assess potential individual donors, corporate partners, and foundations funders for nonprofit organizations by utilizing a variety of databases, public records, and proprietary research tools
  • Produced comprehensive research reports, including background information, philanthropic history, wealth indicators, biographical details, capacity and affinity to give, and connectivity to the organization, while ensuring accuracy and relevance for major gift solicitations
  • Collaborated with clients’ development teams to discuss needs, priorities and research insights
  • Wrote and manage the company newsletter, informing network of upcoming client events and significant philanthropy research studies.




OtherYoga Instructor
Kala Yoga 
East Coast Yoga
June 2026 –  Present

Content Writer
Ouroboros Community
2021 –  Present

Adult English as a Second Language Instructor
ZONI Language Centers 
Metropolitan Learning Institute
2019 –  2024

Adult Turkish Language Instructor
Turkish ConneXion
2019 –  2024



Skills
Academic Writing
SEO Copywriting
Persuasive Writing
Grant & Prospect Research







Last Updated 24.10.31

Selected Writing Samples





1. External Communications
Magazine Article, For Your Benefit Magazine  
Fall 2026

1199SEIU Training and Employment Funds’ Class of 2026:  Celebrating Generations of Graduates



The 1199SEIU Training and Employment Funds (TEF) recently celebrated this year’s class of graduatesacross multiple ceremonies, honoring milestones members achieved and TEF's longstanding partnerships with institutions that make those milestones possible.

10 Years and Growing Stronger: TEF’s Partnership with Monroe University


TEF has partnered with Monroe University for a decade, proudly helping 1199SEIU membersearn degrees from the School of Health Allied Professions. In 2026, this partnership reached a new milestone with the largest graduating class yet: 122 members who are ready to advance their healthcare careers.

Monroe University is recognized nationwide as a leader in educating first-generation students, consistently ranking among New York’s top institutions for graduating Black and Latino students and improving its graduates’ social mobility, with a diverse campus community representing 93 countries and 43 languages.

This year’s Monroe University graduation ceremony took place on June 11, 2026, with a joyful celebration at Radio City Music Hall.  

Unfinished Degrees to Master's-Bound Graduates with HC4


The Health Careers College Core Curriculum (HC4) program is one of TEF's pathways to higher education, operating through direct partnerships with Monroe University, the College of Staten Island and Lehman College.

HC4 students, many of whom have been out of school for years, take 12–36 college core credits within their own cohort to rebuild the academic habits and time management skills that school demands.After completing the program, members continue into their major either at their current college or another institution to earn higher education credentials.

Chrystol Albert-Hope, a Medical Case Manager at the Community Healthcare Network, is one of Monroe University’s Class of 2026, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Community Health and Wellness. Her path to that degree began with the HC4 program. After dropping out at 17 as a single teen mother, Chrystol returned to school years later and began taking college core credits to advance her career.

“The American school system is completely different from what I knew growing up in GuyanaStarting college here felt like learning to creep and run at the same time, but then the HC4 program came in. I started with four core subjects, and it gave me a feel for what college life was going to be like. It set the platform for my success. It taught me to plan ahead. To commit. To stay focused even when I was exhausted.” –Chrystol Albert-Hope, Monroe University Graduate, Class of 2026

To learn more about the HC4 Program, please email Hc4information@1199funds.org.


Downstate Recognition Ceremony Brings Together Graduates and Leaders



As a recent graduate, Chrystol was invited to speak at TEF’s Downstate Recognition Ceremony on June 25, 2026. In her speech, Chrystol reflected on her journey alongside her son, who was pursuing two master’s degrees at the University of the West Indies in Jamaica while she was in school. She said, “When I was in school, so was my son, whom I had at the age of 17. He came to my graduation, and said,‘Mom, the bachelor’s has become the norm — like finishing high school. The master’s is the real thing.’” Then added, “So, in September, I'm going for my master's degree in public health. Epidemiology. He wins.”

Other guest speakers included Career Pathways Training (CPT) Program participants Joseph Long, who graduated from Helene Fuld School of Nursing with an Associate’s Degree in Nursing, and Bob Ssendagire, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from the College of Mount Saint Vincent.

Mayor Mamdani: TEF Graduates Embody the City's "Relentless Ambition and Drive"



New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani delivered the keynote speech at TEF’s Downstate Recognition Ceremony. He emphasized how much the achievements of 1199SEIU members matter to the city, acknowledging the barriers members faced to reach that evening. “In this room, I see the relentless ambition and drive that defines so much of our city, the many challenges you had to overcome just to get to this evening. More than 2,500 of you immigrated here from another country. More than 1,600 of you speak multiple languages. And so many of you are working parents. You are looking after an aging family member. You're caring for a neighbor who needs help. When you provide solace and comfort, you do so not only because it's a job, but it's also a purpose.”

Patient Care Attendants Honored for Professional Development Completion


“You are the backbone of the disability community.”
–Dianna Hu, PCA Consumer Employer and Chairperson for Boston Center for Independent Living’s Board of Trustees.

Patient Care Attendants (PCAs) are part of the fabric of the everyday lives of their consumers. Helping clients bathe, dress, and groom; safely transferring them out of bed, to walking or wheelchairs; and ensuring they are nourished and living in a sanitary environment.

TEF’s Workplace Partnerships and Occupational Certifications Programs train certified healthcare workers and successfully transition them into the workforce, including PCAs and Home Health Aides. On April 15, 2026, the Massachusetts Recognition Ceremony honored 1199SEIU members who completed the PCA Professional Development Program, proudly celebrating them with a congratulatory video by Dianna Hu, PCA Consumer Employer and Chairperson for the Boston Center for Independent Living’s Board of Trustees.

As a person with disability herself, Hu said, “When you exercise the needed body mechanics, for a complex transfer, we feel safe. When you spot a medical spot before it becomes to the trip to an ER, we feel safe, and when you lift a voice of disability justice alongside us, that is the absolute safest we can feel.”

TEF remains committed to opening doors to education, career advancement, and more prosperous livesfor healthcare workers across the regions we serve.

For more information about occupational certifications, make an appointment on MYTEF.






2. SEO-optimized Healthcare Content

Direct links to Ipek Durmaz’s medically-reviewed, published healthcare content.

  1. Vitamins for Weight Loss
  2. Weight Gain During Your Period
  3. How to Lose Weight After Pregnancy
  4. 5 Reasons for Unintentional Weight Gain
  5. 7 Ways to Get Rid of Water Weight
  6. Does Protein Make You Gain or Lose Weight?
  7. Can Apple Cider Vinegar Help You Lose Weight?
  8. How to Identify and Avoid Burnout
  9. Burnout vs. Depression
  10. 6 Ways to Recover from Burnout
  11. The Difference Between CT Scan and MRI
  12. What is Auriculotherapy?
  13. What is Apitherapy?
  14. What is Hippotherapy?
  15. Understanding Scoliosis: Causes, Types, and Symptoms
  16. How to Treat Scoliosis: From Braces to Surgery
  17. 11 Exercises for Scoliosis to Build Strength and Reduce Pain
  18. PMS Symptoms vs. Early Pregnancy Signs: What’s the Difference?
  19. Food Poisoning vs. Stomach Flu
  20. Does Acupuncture Really Work?

Rex MD Men’s Health Content 

  1. What is Sermorelin?
  2. Sermorelin Side Effects
  3. Can You Get Erection Without Testes?
  4. What is Edging and How Do You Do it?
  5. Benefits of Pineapple for Sexual Health
  6. Everything You Need to Know About Oral Sex



3. Intranet ContentInternal Communications


Mamdani to TEF Graduates: “The Relentless Ambition and Drive That Defines This City”



More than 6,000 graduates were honored at this year's Downstate Recognition Ceremony on Thursday, June 25, at the New York Marriott Marquis Hotel, celebrating the determination, resilience, and commitment that brought them to this milestone.

Each of these new nurses, technicians, occupational therapists, and many other healthcare professionals now stand ready to strengthen New York City's healthcare workforce.

Mayor Mamdani was invited to deliver the keynote speech, addressing how much our work at TEF matters to the city.

In his keynote speech, Mamdani connected the graduates' achievements to TEF's decades-long history. He said, "We know that this evening in many ways began decades ago because the 1199 Training and Employment Fund was born out of the Civil Rights era, a shining example of the expansive vision that has always defined SEIU." Mamdani recognized the resilience of the graduating class, many hardships they overcame and responsibilities they balanced while pursuing their education. He said, "In this room, I see the relentless ambition and drive that defines so much of our city,” referring to the new healthcare professionals who are serving “the most vulnerable New Yorkers as care workers, medical clerks, occupational therapists, and more.”  

Graduate speaker Chrystol Albert-Hope reflected the ambition and resilience that was described by Mamdani. Chrystol reflected on her journey alongside her son she had when she was 17, who was pursuing two master’s degrees at the University of the West Indies in Jamaica while Chrystol was also in school. She said, “When I was in school, so was my son, whom I had at the age of 17. He came to my graduation, and said, ‘Mom, the bachelor’s has become the norm — like finishing high school. The master’s is the real thing.’” Then added, “So, in September, I'm going for my master's degree in public health. He wins.”

The ceremony also featured speeches from Career Pathways Training (CPT) participants Joseph Long, who earned an Associate Degree in Nursing from Helene Fuld School of Nursing, and Bob Ssendagire, who received his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the College of Mount Saint Vincent.

For each of these guest speakers and the rest of the graduates, this milestone started on a phone call or a conversation with someone at TEF who believed in their potential long before they earned their degrees. Once again, congratulations to all the graduates and to all TEF staff who supported their potential long before any diploma confirmed it.

Sincere thanks to the TEF staff volunteers whose time, energy, and dedication that made this celebration so memorable.


Stay Connected,

TEF Connect Team



Media to Consume Instead of Doomscrolling


Have you ever held your phone for a second to reply to a message, only to realize an hour later that you had just traveled to five cities, explored three trends, and read forty opinions? 

Research shows that doomscrolling, the habit of endlessly scrolling through content on digital media, increases or creates anxiety, sadness, a sense of overwhelm, fear, and disappointment. On the contrary, the dopamine rushes make it feel pleasurable, even though it’s ultimately harmful.

Is it possible to consume media without letting it consume you? Yes. While today’s feeds are designed to capture our attention endlessly, there was a time when media served a very different purpose. Before it lived in our pockets, the media was a place to find inspiration, discover music, film, and visual arts, and deepen curiosity. It helped people learn more about what genuinely interested them because they had more control over how they used it.


How to Consume Media Intentionally and Build a 
Digital Garden


Breaking the cycle of doomscrolling doesn’t have to be extreme. Rather than trying to eliminate scrolling altogether, redirecting the urge toward slower, richer forms of media can be far more sustainable and intellectually stimulating. Over time, you can build a digital garden that doesn’t consume you. Instead, it educates, inspires, and helps you refine your tastes.

Curate an E-Library

Is your personal email inbox full of messages you rarely find useful or enjoyable? Promotional emails from every ad you’ve ever clicked, brands you bought from five years ago, and subscriptions you don’t even remember signing up for? We’ll explore how to organize your inbox in next month’s theme. For a quick start, if you use Gmail, check out its new “Manage your subscriptions” tab and unsubscribe from anything that doesn’t feel useful.

When clean and intentionally curated, your inbox can become a reliable source of meaningful media and reading. You can also use a separate email address solely for newsletters and favorite publications. This way, you can explore thoughtful writing, bookmark interesting ideas, and satisfy the urge to “check something” without falling into algorithm-driven feeds.

A few publications we like receiving newsletters from are Aeon, Byline, and Psyche. Which publications do you enjoy following?

Find Long-Form Video Essays

One of the largest appeals of short-form content and visuals in social media is the dopaminehits from high stimulation. Meanwhile, longer content encourages presence and sustained attention and leaves a more lasting impression.

Video essays, like The Fear of Living a Mediocre Life and Emergent Complexity can feel like reading a thoughtful essay, inspiring you and evoking deeper questions.

Watch 2026 Oscar-Nominated Films


Rather than spending your time on reels you never really wanted to watch, try exploring this year’s Oscar-nominated films for inspiration. Films, like Sinners, Bugonia, Frankenstein, Marty Supreme, or Hamnet are a great place to begin.

Take Charge of What You Discover

If you are one of those who miss discovering music, films, and ideas without AI-driven recommendation engines, there are still slower alternatives. Perfectly Imperfect is one of them. The experience on this platform is closer to browsing a record store or magazine rack. Create an account, start discovering music, films, or any other kind of media of your choice.

If you’d like to discover international music, check out Radiooooo. Pick a decade and click somewhere on the globe to find yourself listening to music you wouldn’t ever hear anywhere.

Find a Good Podcast

If your hobby is birdwatching, there’s probably a podcast for that. Podcasts can also be a great source of inspiration, entertainment, and education on just about anything. Discover a podcast, save it for your work commute. Maybe it is Eternalised, or something else you are about to discover.

Collect the Meaningful Media You Discovered

When you find a good article, a video essay, or a podcast episode, save it somewhere handy. This will help you curate your tastes and grow your digital garden slowly. We recommend using the free app Sublime to save media and discover what others are collecting. Let us know if you find any other alternatives!

Be Patient as You Grow Your Digital Garden

Just like a physical one, creating a digital garden also takes time. Set a time blocker for social media and start planting and growing your digital garden. Notice what discoveries feel most meaningful and how your focus shifts as you curate your media. Don’t forget to let us know what you’ve discovered along the way!


Stay Connected,

TEF Connect Team



4. Academic Research & Writing
Research Proposal
April 2025


Voices of Distress: A Narrative-Thematic Exploration of Political Anxiety and Coping Mechanisms on Reddit



Gunel Ipeksu Durmaz
 Applied Media Psychology, Fielding Graduate University 

PSY-619-25SP1
 Dr. Patrick Sweeny
 April 2, 2025 


Background and Rationale
In recent years, mental health concerns have become increasingly prevalent in the United States, with political polarization emerging as a significant contributing factor. The intersection of mental well-being and the political climate has gained attention as individuals report heightened levels of stress, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion due to political events, policy changes, and social divisions. In the Stress in America survey of 2024, conducted on behalf of the American Psychological Association between August 1 and 23, 2024, seven in ten adults reported that the future of the United States is a significant source of stress in their lives. The survey identified this as the most common stressor, followed by concerns about the economy and the upcoming election (Targeted News Service, 2024). Another survey by LifeStance found that 79% of Americans experienced anxiety over the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election. A 2021 study found that perceptions of partisan polarization may represent important factors linked to the onset of mental health and sleep disorders. Individuals perceiving increased partisan polarization since the 2016 election had a 52-57% higher likelihood of developing anxiety and depressive disorders. High levels of perceived state-level polarization were also linked to a 49% increase in depressive disorders and a 49% increase in sleep disorders (Nayak et al., 2021). Additionally, a 2022 study observed that during the COVID-19 pandemic, Democrats reported worse mental health outcomes than Republicans, suggesting that political affiliation and perceptions influenced mental health during this period (Bock & Schnabel, 2022).

Social media platforms, particularly Reddit, have emerged as spaces where individuals openly discuss their mental health struggles in response to political developments. Unlike traditional forums, Reddit provides a semi-anonymous environment that fosters candid discussions, enabling users to share experiences, seek advice, and provide peer support. Subreddits such as r/mentalhealth, r/politics, and r/anxiety serve as digital communities where people process their emotions and discuss coping strategies related to the current political landscape.

This study seeks to answer the research question: What themes emerge in how Reddit users describe their mental health challenges and coping strategies in relation to the current political landscape in the U.S.? Through a narrative and thematic analysis of Reddit discussions, this research will explore key themes, including emotional and physiological responses to political stress—such as anxiety, increased heart rate, muscle tension, fatigue, and sleep disturbances—and coping mechanisms like community support, cognitive reframing, and self-care practices, along with other strategies like avoidance, humor, and seeking professional help. By investigating these narratives, this study aims to contribute to the growing body of research on political stress and mental health while highlighting what strategies may work for cultivating mental well-being in today’s world.

With elections, policy changes, and global crises continuously influencing individuals' psychological well-being, it is crucial to explore how people discuss and cope with political stress online. This study aims to fill a gap in existing research by analyzing these conversations through thematic and narrative analysis, providing insights into how individuals navigate political stress.

Research Question(s)

The primary research question guiding this study is:

What themes emerge in how Reddit users describe their mental health challenges and coping strategies in relation to the current political landscape in the U.S.?

By analyzing Reddit discussions, this study seeks to explore:

  1. Emotional and physiological impacts, such as anxiety, heart rate increases, muscle tension, fatigue, and sleep disturbances, as they relate to political stress.

  2. Coping strategies, including community support, cognitive reframing, self-care practices, avoidance, humor, and seeking professional help.

Research Methodology

Theoretical Framework
 This research draws on a combination of Narrative Analysis and Thematic Analysis. Narrative analysis will focus on how individuals construct and present their personal stories, while thematic analysis will identify and interpret the recurring themes across Reddit discussions related to political stress and mental health.

Research Approach

The research approach for this study is mix-method. It involves collecting and analyzing text data from Reddit discussions, particularly from subreddits focused on mental health and political discourse, such as r/mentalhealth, r/politics, and r/anxiety. These discussions will be analyzed to identify the emotional and physiological responses to political events and the coping mechanisms shared by Reddit users.

Research Methods

Data will be collected from Reddit using netnography, which allows for the study of online communities. The analysis will focus on comments, threads, and posts that reference emotional distress, political events, or coping strategies. Thematic coding will be employed to identify recurring themes, while narrative analysis will explore how individuals construct their political and mental health experiences in these online spaces.

Advantages and Limits

One advantage of using Reddit data is its accessibility and the ability to gather a broad range of personal experiences in a relatively anonymous and candid manner. However, a limitation is the potential bias in sample selection, as Reddit users may not fully represent the general population. Additionally, the semi-anonymous nature of Reddit discussions may limit the depth of certain personal insights.

Mental Health and Political Stress

Fear is an instinctive neurophysiological reaction to perceived or real threats, triggering a fight-or-flight response. Anxiety, closely related to fear, is a future-focused emotional state involving a complex mix of cognitive, emotional, physical, and behavioral responses, preparing individuals for anticipated, perceived threats. This activity explores the underlying mechanisms of anxiety, its symptoms and diagnosis, and emphasizes the importance of an interprofessional team in managing it (Chand & Marwaha, 2023). Generalized anxiety disorder is a mental health condition that causes persistent fear, worry, and an overwhelming sense of distress. It is defined by excessive, ongoing, and unrealistic concerns about daily life (Munir & Takov, 2022). According to a survey published in 2024, political anxiety and generalized anxiety are different, showing how politics can cause worry and apprehension even for those without general anxiety (Weinschenk & Smith, 2024).

Psychologists have observed increasing stress among teens and young adults related to news consumption, both from traditional outlets and social media (Newport Academy, n.d.). Many individuals may not initially recognize the emotional impact of distressing news but find themselves fixated on it.

According to a Pew Research Center survey, over half of U.S. adults report getting their news from social media at least sometimes (Pew Research Center, 2020). This environment promotes "media saturation overload," exacerbated by clickbait-driven negative news. Related terms such as "doomscrolling" and "headline stress disorder" reflect the psychological toll of constant exposure to distressing news. Though not a formally recognized disorder, researchers continue to investigate the links between news consumption and emotional distress.

Recent studies highlight correlations between frequent news exposure and mental health issues. Hwang et al. (2021) found that increased news consumption about COVID-19 was associated with greater emotional distress. Similarly, Price (2022) linked social media news exposure to heightened symptoms of depression and PTSD among young adults. Notably, younger adults, women, and individuals with prior childhood mistreatment may be particularly vulnerable to these effects (Price, 2018, 2022).

Stosny (2017) introduced "headline stress disorder," observing that excessive news consumption can lead to learned helplessness and heightened anxiety. Psychologists also emphasize the importance of providing context and realistic risk assessments to help individuals process news more effectively.

Studies suggest that moderating news exposure can lead to improved well-being. Fullana et al. (2020) found that individuals who limited pandemic-related news and engaged in healthy activities reported lower stress levels. Additionally, active participation in solutions to distressing news topics can reduce feelings of helplessness. Ultimately, psychologists advocate for mindful news consumption, emphasizing the importance of being an engaged participant rather than a passive observer of the news.

Reddit as a Space for Mental Health Discussions

Reddit serves as a dynamic platform for mental health discourse, where users openly share their experiences, seek advice, and receive support. Its anonymous nature encourages uninhibited self-disclosure, allowing discussions to range from everyday struggles to specific concerns about diagnosis and treatment. The platform fosters various forms of social support, including emotional, informational, instrumental, and prescriptive assistance. Surprisingly, anonymity not only enables open conversations but also enhances engagement and meaningful feedback. By fulfilling unique information needs for stigmatized illnesses, Reddit plays a crucial role in mental health support and expands our understanding of social media’s impact on behavioral therapy (De Choudhury & De, 2014).

Historical Context of Political Stress

The concept of political stress is not a new phenomenon; it has evolved as political landscapes have become more volatile. Historically, political stress was primarily associated with major events like wars, revolutions, or political upheaval. For example, during the Cold War, individuals faced constant fear of nuclear war, leading to heightened anxiety levels. Similarly, during the Civil Rights Movement in the U.S., social tensions and political activism had profound psychological effects on both participants and observers.

Political stress has since become more nuanced as political polarization has intensified, particularly in the 21st century. As the internet and social media have democratized information and political discourse, individuals are now exposed to constant streams of politically charged content, leading to higher stress levels. According to studies, the era of 24/7 news has blurred the line between everyday life and political engagement, making it more challenging to disengage from political content. This constant exposure to political content—whether through news outlets, social media, or political campaigns—has contributed significantly to rising levels of political stress.

Psychological Theories on Political Stress

Theories such as Cognitive Dissonance (Festinger, 1957) and Social Identity Theory (Tajfel & Turner, 1979) offer valuable insights into the psychological mechanisms at play during political stress. Cognitive dissonance occurs when individuals encounter information or situations that conflict with their pre-existing beliefs or values, leading to stress and discomfort. In the political realm, this can manifest as stress caused by the exposure to opposing viewpoints or contradictory political information, especially in a polarized climate.

Social Identity Theory, on the other hand, explains how individuals derive a significant portion of their identity from their political affiliation. This attachment to political ideologies can make political stress particularly intense. When political events or figures challenge an individual’s political identity, it can lead to feelings of anger, fear, or anxiety.

Lazarus and Folkman’s Stress and Coping Theory

Lazarus and Folkman’s (1984) Stress and Coping Theory is a widely recognized framework for understanding stress and coping mechanisms. According to this theory, stress is a result of an individual’s perception that a situation exceeds their ability to cope. This perception is influenced by various factors, including individual resilience, prior experiences, and the resources available for coping.

In the context of political stress, individuals may evaluate political events or circumstances as harmful or threatening, triggering a stress response. For example, a contentious political election may be perceived as a threat to one’s sense of security, leading to heightened stress levels. The coping mechanisms individuals employ will depend on their personal beliefs, experiences, and available social support systems.

Reddit’s Role in Political Stress and Mental Health

Reddit’s unique structure and community-based approach make it a valuable platform for understanding how individuals process political stress. Unlike traditional social media platforms, Reddit allows for semi-anonymous discussions, which may encourage individuals to be more open about their mental health struggles related to political stress. The platform's upvote and downvote system also promotes the visibility of posts and comments that resonate with users, creating a feedback loop that encourages engagement.

Reddit also hosts a wide array of subreddits where users can discuss political stress from various perspectives. For example, subreddits like r/mentalhealth provide general mental health support, while others like r/politics or r/anxiety focus specifically on the intersection of politics and mental health. These specialized subreddits allow for a deeper exploration of how political events impact individuals' psychological well-being.


References
American Psychological Association Issues Report Entitled “Stress In America 2024: A Nation In Political Turmoil.” (n.d.). Targeted News Service.

LifeStance Health. (2024, March 27). LifeStance survey finds 79% of Americans are experiencing anxiety over the 2024 U.S. presidential election. PR Newswire.

Nayak, S. S., Fraser, T., Panagopoulos, C., Aldrich, D. P., & Kim, D. (2021). Is divisive politics making Americans sick? Associations of perceived partisan polarization with physical and mental health outcomes among adults in the United States. Social Science & Medicine, 284, 113976. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.113976

Bock, S., & Schnabel, L. (2022). Distressed Democrats and relaxed Republicans? Partisanship and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. PLoS ONE, 17(4), e0266562. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0266562

Weinschenk, A., & Smith, K. (2024). Is political anxiety different than general anxiety? Politics and the Life Sciences, 43(2), 226–234. https://doi.org/10.1017/pls.2024.6

Chand, S. P., & Marwaha, R. (2023, April 24). Anxiety. StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470361/

Munir, S., & Takov, V. (2022, October 17). Generalized Anxiety Disorder. StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441870/#:~:text=Generalized%20anxiety%20disorder%20is%20a,unrealistic%20worry%20about%20everyday%20things.

Soroka, S., Fournier, P., & Nir, L. (2019). Cross-national evidence of a negativity bias in psychophysiological reactions to news. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 116(38), 18888–18892. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1908369116

De Choudhury, M., & De, S. (2014). Mental Health Discourse on reddit: Self-Disclosure, Social Support, and Anonymity. Proceedings of the International AAAI Conference on Web and Social Media, 8(1), 71–80. https://doi.org/10.1609/icwsm.v8i1.14526

Fullana, M. A., et al. (2020). Anxiety and depression in the COVID-19 pandemic: Effects of news consumption and lifestyle changes. Journal of Affective Disorders, 275, 53–59.

Hwang, J., et al. (2021). The relationship between media exposure and emotional distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(24).

Pew Research Center. (2020). News use across social media platforms in 2020. Pew Research Center. Retrieved from [URL]

Price, M. (2018). Social media use and emotional distress: Examining the link between childhood adversity and online habits. Psychiatry Research, 267, 1–7.

Price, M. (2022). Social media news exposure and mental health symptoms: A daily study of young adults. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy.

Stosny, S. (2017, November 9). Headline stress disorder. The Washington Post. 





4. Personal Project: Ouroboros Community
Since 2021, Ipek has been writing about astrology, yoga philosophy, and Buddhism in Ouroboros Community, her publication. Find direct links to articles and social media posts.

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