Election Anxiety: 5 Tips How To Cope With Election Stress

As the 2024 election season intensifies and reaches a crescendo, many Americans are experiencing heightened anxiety and stress surrounding the outcome, in what is often referred to as "election stress disorder."

The American Psychological Association (APA) conducted a survey in August 2024 which polled 3,000 American adults about their sentiments surrounding the current elections. Entitled “Stress in America 2024: A Nation in Political Turmoil”, the APA survey revealed that 69% of Americans are anxious about elections to the point that it is affecting their health. 77% fear for the future of the country, 72% worry the election results may lead to violence as in the past, and 56% contemplate that this election may signal the end of democracy as we know it.

Aside from concerns about the future and social division, the overwhelming influx of news via social media makes it difficult to maintain mental well-being. Election coverage is continuous, often sensationalized, and almost always divisive. This year, voters are also affected by the amplified spread of misinformation, rumors, and character-bashing displayed by candidates on either side of the fence. These factors all make it easy to be pulled into a cycle of anticipatory anxiety and political worry.

Election stress can take a toll on both mental and physical health, leading to increased irritability, trouble sleeping, and difficulty concentrating. Recognizing these symptoms is the first step toward managing 2024 election anxiety.

How to Deal with Election Anxiety

To help ease election anxiety in 2024, you can try these strategies:

1. Limit Media Consumption
   Staying informed is essential, but excessive exposure to news can increase election stress disorder. Set specific times to check news updates and avoid checking right before bed. Research suggests that setting boundaries around media intake helps reduce election anxiety and allows people to feel more in control.
2. Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques
   Meditation, deep breathing exercises, or even short moments of grounding can really help relieve election stress disorder. These practices bring your focus back to the present moment, and reduce anxiety about the future. Apps like Headspace or Calm offer guided sessions that can be helpful, especially during peak moments of election stress. 
3. Engage in Physical Activity
   Regular exercise can significantly reduce election anxiety levels. Physical activity releases endorphins, which improve mood and lower stress. Consider a walk in nature, yoga, or other forms of exercise that you enjoy. Movement can be a powerful way to channel your nervous energy into something positive and grounding
4. Talk to Someone You Trust
   Connecting with others can provide comfort, but it's also important to set boundaries. Choose friends or family members who can discuss the election in a constructive way, or seek a therapist if election stress becomes overwhelming. Sometimes, simply speaking out your concerns can make them feel more manageable and reduce election anxiety.
5. Focus on What You Can Control
   A major source of election stress disorder and anxiety is the feeling of powerlessness over the outcome. One way to counteract this feeling is by taking proactive steps, such as voting or volunteering for a cause you believe in. Positive actions, however small, increase your sense of empowerment and reduce feelings of helplessness.

By incorporating these strategies, people can better manage the anxieties associated with election season. Staying grounded, informed, and connected to supportive individuals will help mitigate the mental strain of elections and build resilience.

Remember - while elections are important, your own well-being is paramount!