Election Anxiety: Dealing with Uncertainty During Campaign Season

Social media ads, television ads, mailers and more! The election and voting season are upon us, which may bring added stress to our daily lives. In the recent annual mental health poll by the American Psychiatric Association, 73 percent of adults in the United States said they feel anxious about the current election (American Psychiatric Association, 2023). While voting is an essential part of democracy, the process leading up to and following elections can leave individuals feeling anxious, stressed and emotionally drained. 

Impact on Social Relationships 
Political conversations can strain social relationships, especially when opinions differ. Heated debates among friends, family and colleagues may increase tension and negatively impact relationships, long after the election season ends. People may feel the need to avoid certain gatherings or limit their social interactions to avoid conflict. This can result in feelings of isolation and stress. If you are feeling overwhelmed with current events, find support in those closest to you. 

The Symptoms of Uncertainty 
Elections bring uncertainty, and for many, this can lead to heightened anxiety. Questions about future policies, economic conditions and societal changes may leave individuals feeling a lack of control. 
“Sometimes I ask myself, what is it I’m afraid will happen? And even if that worst-case scenario occurs, do I really think that I’m unable to cope with disappointment?” said Carrie Mull, administrative director of Behavioral Health at Trinity Health Grand Rapids. “Often times, the outcome we’re fearing isn’t as tragic as we think it will be.”
This uncertainty can exacerbate feelings of worry, manifesting in physical symptoms such as trouble sleeping, headaches or digestive issues.

News Burnout 
With round-the-clock news cycles and constant political updates, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by election coverage. Many people experience “news burnout,” feeling exhausted and stressed by the sheer volume of political information. This can lead to disengagement or feelings of hopelessness, especially when the news is predominantly negative or fear-inducing.

Protect Your Mental Health During this Election
Facing uncertainty, can cause us to go into a worrying mode hoping to have more control over the situation and the outcome. This just takes away your enjoyment of the moment. We can all benefit from confronting our need for certainty and control. 

1.    Find time away from the screens: Set boundaries around how much time you spend consuming news and social media. Take regular breaks to focus on other activities.
2.    Stay informed, but avoid overload: It’s important to stay informed, but too much information can be overwhelming. Stick to reputable news sources and avoid sensationalized content.
3.    Understand your choices: Elections can feel unpredictable, but focusing on your vote and what you can control can reduce feelings of helplessness. Understand the intentions of the candidates the best you can and familiarize yourself with their stance to feel confident in your choices.
4.    Practice Self-Care: Prioritize self-care activities like exercise, meditation or hobbies that help reduce stress and keep your mind grounded.
While election season can be stressful, taking steps to manage your mental health can help you navigate the ups and downs with resilience. 

“Focus on what you can control and that is just yourself! Be kind to yourself, maintain your sleep and workout routine, use meditation if that has worked for you before, maintain your social support system, register to vote, carve out a time to vote and get involved in the community,” said Pamela Sohoni, Department Chair, Psychiatry-Interim. 
If election anxiety becomes overwhelming, don’t hesitate to reach out to a trusted health care provider or mental health professional. At Trinity Health, we’re here for you. Find out more about our mental health services.

References: 
American adults express increasing anxiousness in annual poll; stress and Sleep Are Key Factors Imp. Psychiatry.org - American Adults Express Increasing Anxiousness in Annual Poll; Stress and Sleep are Key Factors Imp. (2024, May 1). https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/news-releases/annual-poll-adults-express-increasing-anxiousness