Talking politics tends to give many people a splitting headache. Now, a new study confirms that the American political scene really does harm a person’s overall health.

A researcher from the University of Nebraska notes that four in 10 people cite politics as a top stressor in their lives. Many add the topic causes them to lose sleep and fractures their relationships. Alarmingly, one in 20 even say thinking about and discussing politics leaves them feeling suicidal.

Professor Kevin Smith says that following political leaders’ movements has never been easier, thanks to social media, online websites, podcasts, and the non-stop TV news cycle. However, all the jockeying for power is having a terrible effect on public well-being — so much so that even a change in party does not help.

The findings come from the results of a 32-question survey of Americans conducted two weeks prior to the 2020 election and two weeks after. The results mirrored an earlier survey carried out in 2017.