DALLAS — Every year, the American Psychological Association (APA) releases its annual report identifying the top stressors among Americans. This year’s report mentions the usual triggers such as finances, family and health. However, one issue ranks at the top — politics.

What You Need To Know

  • Seven out of 10 Americans ranked politics as a significant source of stress in their lives, according to a report from the American Psychological Association (APA)

  • University of Texas at Dallas political science major Natasha Kokkodil says she is ready to engage in discussions with anyone who may have different political views than her, even if it’s tough

  • According to research gathered by nonprofit organization Builders, nine out of 10 Democrats and Republicans agree on core American values, such as accountable government, rule of law and personal accountability

  • Tom Fishman, CEO of Builders, says having conversations across party lines may help ease tensions

The nonprofit organization Builders, formerly Starts With Us, is working to help bridge America's divide.

University of Texas at Dallas political science major Natasha Kokkodil is on campus ready to engage in a conversation about the state of politics in the U.S.

“There’s a lot of discourse regarding both sides of the spectrum. We analyze candidates from across the aisle just to understand what their party platforms are and their agenda,” Kokkodil said.

Kokkodil — along with many students across Texas — has taken an interest in politics. Through Builders, she’s learning how to have more effective conversations surrounding the topic.

“Do we really dramatically disagree on very divisive issues? Yes, we do. But poll after poll shows that there’s much more common ground that we have even on the toughest issues than we perceive,” said Tom Fishman, CEO of Builders.

Fishman says there are ways to solve problems together without sacrificing one's beliefs.

According to research gathered by Builders, nine out of 10 Democrats and Republicans agree on core American values, such as accountable government, rule of law and personal accountability.

“We at Builders did a poll that showed 87% of people are tired of toxic, divided politics and want to move on to solutions," Fishman said.

It’s something Kokkodil knows all too well as she studies political polarization in her classes this year.

“In those conversations I’ve had as a voter deputy, I’ve been able to mend those tensions. I’ve been able to say 'You know what? You and I have different perspectives here but it doesn’t mean I don’t believe in your right to vote. You should have the same right to carry your values to the ballot,'” Kokkodil said.

According to the APA, more than seven out of 10 Americans say the future of the nation is a significant source of their stress.

Fishman says having conversations across party lines may help ease tensions.

“We believe in something called the four C’s: curiosity, for people and perspectives that are different than our own, compassion, courage and creativity. Ways of working together," Fishman said.

Kokkodil says she is ready to engage in discussions with anyone who may have different political views than her, even if it’s tough.

“You and I may have different sets of facts here, but that doesn’t mean we have to go against our values to agree, we don’t have to throw our hands up and say, 'No I don’t want to converse with you, I don’t want to engage with you.' We can both bring what we have to the table and discuss in a very civil manner," Kokkodil said.

If these conversations do come up before or during the holidays after the election, experts say taking a walk while chatting will help ease tensions with friends and family.