The political divide is threatening relationships among family, friends and co-workers

Damaged relationships not only cause hurt feelings. They can lead to significant physical distress.

“This is rampant in my patients,” said Talee Vang, senior clinical psychologist at Hennepin Health Care. “Some notice they feel irritable, exhausted, anxious. Internalized pain may come out in depression, sleep disorders or substance use. They may overindulge in alcohol or food.”