Navigating the Emotional Impact of Political Seasons
Election seasons, especially during polarized times, can significantly affect mental health. Election stress disorder (ESD), while not a formal diagnosis, is a term often used to describe the anxiety many feel during political campaigns.
A 2024 Pew poll revealed that 65% of U.S. adults frequently feel exhausted by politics, and 55% often feel angry. As political rhetoric intensifies and media coverage increases, the pressure to stay informed and take a stance can cause emotional and physical strain. Here's how to recognize ESD symptoms and ways to cope.
What Is Election Stress Disorder?
Therapist Dr. Steven Stosny coined the term "election stress disorder" in 2016, after noticing a surge in clients seeking help for election-related stress. Common symptoms include:
Anxiety: Constant worry about political outcomes and a sense of dread.
Irritability: Frustration and anger in response to differing political views.
Sleep disturbances: Difficulty sleeping due to racing thoughts.
Physical symptoms: Tension headaches, muscle pain, and stomach issues.
Trouble concentrating: Mental fatigue from constant political engagement.
Substance use: Turning to drugs or alcohol to cope with anxiety.
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), 68% of Americans site elections as a significant source of stress, up from 52% in 2016. This increase demonstrates the widespread impact of election-related anxiety, particularly when the stakes feel personal or critical.
Why Does Election Stress Happen?
Election cycles bombard people with emotionally charged messages, and many feel personally tied to the outcomes. Factors contributing to election stress include:
Media overexposure: Social media, 24/7 news cycles and a barrage of negative political ads can be overwhelming and worsen stress. Political ads are designed to activate the fear center of the brain triggering the fight or flight stress response.
Polarization: Growing ideological divides can intensify "us vs. them" thinking, deepening anxiety.
Fear of consequences: People worry about how election results may impact their rights, security, and future.
Social pressures: Political disagreements with family and friends, or on social media can create friction in relationships, feelings of isolation and deepening stress.
Coping Strategies for Election Stress Disorder
Limit Media Exposure: While it is important to stay informed, limiting media exposure can reduce anxiety. Schedule specific times to check the news and reduce social media use to manage emotional overwhelm. Stick to a few trusted sources for your news.
Set Boundaries: Maintain healthy relationships by setting limits on political discussions with family and friends. Before engaging, consider if the conversation is productive or if it will drain your energy.
Practice Self-Care: Engage in mindfulness, exercise, or hobbies to disconnect from the political noise. Deep breathing, meditation, and spending time outdoors can reduce stress. Physical well-being also boosts mental health, so focus on healthy eating and staying active.
Focus on What You Can Control: While you can't control the election outcome, you can participate constructively. Volunteer for causes you care about, engage in civil discourse or write to your representatives. Channel stress into action.
Seek Social Support: Connect with like-minded people who provide a safe space to express your feelings. Talking to friends, family, or mental health professionals can offer relief.
Practice Detachment: Remember that elections are part of a broader democratic process. Emotionally detaching from the results and focusing on long-term goals can reduce stress. Try to separate people from their viewpoints, especially friends and family. You can love someone even if you don’t agree with them.
Prepare for Post-Election Reactions: After an election, emotions may remain heightened. Allow yourself time to process and recover, and maintain routines to manage lingering stress.
When to Seek Professional Help
If election stress continues or makes other mental health issues like anxiety or depression worse, it may be time to seek professional support.
If stress starts affecting your daily life—like making it hard to work, causing ongoing insomnia, or leading to social withdrawal— mental health therapy may help. Syntero’s expert clinicians can offer support and coping skills. Call 614-889-5722 ext. 133 to schedule an appointment.
While election stress disorder is not a clinical diagnosis, it reflects a common experience in politically charged times. By recognizing symptoms and practicing healthy coping strategies, individuals can safeguard their mental health during election cycles. Prioritizing self-care is not a sign of disengagement—it’s essential for long-term well-being.
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