Political Stress: How Presidential Elections Impact Mental Health and How to Manage It
Presidential elections and political stress can significantly impact an individual’s mental health.
These events not only shape the future direction of the country, but they can also trigger stress, anxiety, and societal polarization.
How Do Elections and Politics Affect Our Mental Health?
Stress and Anxiety
Election campaigns are often intense and prolonged, leading to stress and anxiety among voters. Continuous news coverage, heated debates, and uncertainty about the future can become overwhelming. For example, a 2020 survey by the American Psychological Association (APA) found that 68% of American adults considered the presidential election a significant source of stress—a percentage higher than in previous years.
Political Stress: Polarization and Conflict
Political divisions can cause conflicts in personal relationships, even among friends and family members. Polarization heightens emotions and can create an atmosphere of tension and hostility. A 2020 Pew Research Center study found that approximately one-third of Americans had experienced conflicts with friends or family due to political differences. Such conflicts can exacerbate stress and anxiety, negatively impacting mental health.
Feelings of Hopelessness or Loss of Control
Elections can leave some people feeling hopeless or powerless, particularly if the outcome isn’t what they hoped for. This sentiment can be especially strong among those who feel that their well-being or rights are at stake. During election campaigns, especially in polarized periods, there has been a notable increase in anxiety and depression levels. A 2017 study published in the Journal of Anxiety Disorders indicated that the 2016 U.S. presidential election led to a significant increase in anxiety symptoms.
Information Overload
In the digital age, we’re exposed to a constant stream of information and misinformation. Consequently, the overwhelming amount of often contradictory news can create confusion and heighten anxiety. According to an APA report, 56% of American adults reported that constant news exposure contributed to their stress.
Impact on the Mental Health of Vulnerable Groups
Political uncertainty can disproportionately affect vulnerable groups, such as immigrants, ethnic minorities, and LGBTQ+ individuals. A Journal of Medical Internet Research study found that tweets related to anxiety and depression significantly increased among LGBTQ+ Twitter users following the 2016 U.S. presidential election.
Why Do Elections and Political Stress Affect Mental Health?
Politics and elections affect mental health for several reasons. Political decisions influence crucial aspects such as the economy, civil rights, healthcare, and education, creating anxiety due to their impact on financial stability and general well-being. Likewise, politics is closely tied to personal and group identity, causing significant emotional strain when people perceive threats to their core values and beliefs. High political polarization increases interpersonal conflicts and stress, exacerbated by social media and news outlets. Constant exposure to these debates can be overwhelming, and misinformation adds to the uncertainty and confusion, increasing stress and anxiety. Additionally, elections generate uncertainty about the future, leading to anxiety from the perceived loss of control, especially during crises or significant political changes. These factors, combined with the emotional intensity of politics, can be a powerful catalyst for stress and anxiety.
Strategies for Managing Political Stress
Limit Exposure to Stress-Inducing Political News
Staying informed is important, but it’s also crucial to set boundaries. Consider scheduling specific times to check the news and avoid consuming political content before bed to reduce anxiety.
Practice Self-Care
Self-care is essential for managing stress. This includes getting enough sleep, maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and practicing relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing.
Set Boundaries in Conversations
Political discussions can be exhausting. Setting clear boundaries about when and with whom to discuss political topics can help protect mental health. It’s perfectly acceptable to step away from conversations that become hostile or overly stressful.
Seek Support
Talking to friends, family, or mental health professionals can be very helpful. Sharing concerns and feelings with others can alleviate emotional burdens.
Engage Positively
Constructive engagement can provide a sense of control. This might include voting, participating in community activities, or joining groups that work on causes you care about.
Practice Compassion and Tolerance
Polarization can make people see others as enemies. Practicing empathy and trying to understand different perspectives can help reduce conflict and stress.
Disconnect and Take a Break from Political Stress
Sometimes, the best way to manage political stress is to temporarily disconnect. Spending time on activities you enjoy, such as reading, walking, or being with loved ones, can help recharge your energy.
Elections and politics have a profound impact on our society and, consequently, on our mental health. Therefore, it’s normal to feel anxiety or stress during these periods. However, it’s important to recognize these feelings and take steps to manage them. Setting boundaries, practicing self-care, and seeking support are key steps to protecting our mental health in politically charged times. Ultimately, taking care of our mental health enables us to participate more effectively and constructively in society.
