With just a few days left until the US presidential election, a mix of excitement and anticipation fills the air. However, a significant portion of the population is experiencing anxiety and stress related to the election, impacting their daily routines and mental well-being.
The American Psychological Association (APA) recently released a survey focusing on adults titled “Stress in America 2024: A Nation in Political Turmoil.” The results revealed that 69% of respondents are feeling psychological stress associated with this presidential election, slightly higher than the 68% reported in 2020 and significantly higher than the 52% in 2016. This year, over 72% of participants expressed concerns that the election outcome could lead to violence, with more than half of adults even believing that this election might mark the end of American democracy.
Out of those surveyed, 41% reported considering moving to another country due to the state of affairs in the US, while 39% said that the political environment in their state has prompted thoughts of relocating to another state. Furthermore, 64% of respondents felt that their rights were under attack, and 32% mentioned that the political climate strained their relationships with family members.
However, the survey also highlighted that for many, the election brings a sense of optimism. 61% of participants expressed hope for positive changes following the election, and 59% believed that the election would lead to a more inclusive society.
The survey was conducted online from August 1st to 23rd, with 3,305 participants aged 18 and above.
Research indicates that “political anxiety” can indeed affect individuals who are not typically prone to anxiety.
David H. Rosmarin, founder of the Center for Anxiety, recently told Vox that elections, due to their uncertainty, are a common trigger for anxiety. People are unsure of how their lives will be under a new government, particularly when there are significant differences between the options, with proposed policies that may threaten safety and freedom, leading to increased anxiety.
According to a recent article on the Harvard University news website, Kristen Soltis Anderson, an expert at Echelon Insights, a polling and data analysis firm, noted that voters across political affiliations are feeling disillusioned and powerless, as if caught in a high-stakes gamble. Some feel that those who seek to harm them are gaining more power and strength. Individuals who consume substantial political information may experience heightened anxiety about the election’s impact on their daily lives.
Social media platforms often recommend similar content based on users’ browsing habits, leading individuals overly focused on political news into a state of “Doomscrolling,” compulsively scrolling through negative content on social media, exacerbating political anxiety and potentially severely impacting mental and physical health.
“This is a public health crisis,” stated Chris Chanyasulkit, former president of the American Public Health Association (APHA).
Chanyasulkit believes a simple way to reduce “election anxiety” is to avoid excessive exposure to election-related news, including refraining from Doomscrolling.
Rosmarin suggests refraining from checking phones and social media at least half an hour before bedtime, including on election night, to avoid reading related news. Excessive attention won’t change anything and will only leave individuals feeling more fatigued and irritable the next day.
Bethany Teachman, a psychology expert at the University of Virginia, shared some strategies on the school’s website to cope with election anxiety in the coming days.
She emphasizes that anxiety tends to be the loudest voice in the room, so it’s crucial to make space for other voices. Ensuring that personal values guide decision-making and not letting anxiety take the lead is essential.
1) What is the best time of your day?
This helps you focus on positive aspects of life, finding reasons to remain hopeful and preventing descent into negative emotions.
2) What challenges do you face?
This helps individuals realize they are capable of confronting challenging situations, alleviating feelings of helplessness and despair.
3) What have you contributed to making the world a better place?
Acts of kindness, helping others, contribute to improved mental health and serve as effective ways to manage stress.