The presidential election may be over, but some office workers are displaying symptoms of what some media sources have called “election syndrome,” according to an online survey published yesterday.
The syndrome refers to physical or psychological changes — such as insomnia, headaches, loss of appetite and dizziness — that “overenthusiastic” supporters of political candidates or people “addicted to election coverage” exhibit, the survey said.
The poll was conducted from Jan. 14 to Jan. 16 by 1111 Job Bank, ETToday TV network and the Asia-Pacific Society of Travel Medicine (ASTM).
In the multiple-choice survey, 9.15 percent of respondents reported having difficulty sleeping and 3.92 percent had headaches.
The results of the election also caused emotional ups and downs for some, with 19.77 percent feeling relieved, 16.87 percent feeling content and 6.86 percent feeling exhilarated.
Some of the respondents also reported negative feelings, with 16.14 percent feeling disappointed and sad, 9.48 percent feeling a sense of loss and 4.9 percent feeling angry. Almost 26 percent said they felt calm and were not affected by the outcome.
The election results might have an impact on the emotions of supporters, 1111 Job Bank public relations director Henry Ho (何啟聖) said. Blood pressure may rise as supporters become excited and it may take some time before they can recover, he said.
The presidential race was very tight, resulting in an increase in the number of people visiting clinics because of symptoms that were set off by the elections, ASTM chairman Hsieh Ying-hua (謝瀛華) said.
He said people should try to readjust their routine and relax by taking a hot bath, listening to music and getting some exercise.
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