Election anxiety is real and it’s taking its toll on Americans as the 2024 election season heats up. Recent surveys indicate more than 60% of participants acknowledge their mental health has been negatively impacted, with specific frustrations rippling through various demographics across the country.
For generations, individuals have braced themselves for the chaos of election season, but recent reports highlight significantly heightened levels of distress. According to new findings from Forbes Health, feelings of anxiety, stress, and fear have surged, particularly among younger adults. Among those surveyed, 46% expressed anxiety, 37% reported stress, and 31% noted feelings of fear related to the upcoming elections.
What stands out is the generational divide. Survey results reveal the starkest emotions connected to the elections among Gen Z, millennials, and Gen X, with anxiety levels hitting 66%, 64%, and 63% respectively. Compared to 56% of baby boomers, it seems younger voters feel the brunt of electoral tension. Yet, it isn't all doom and gloom; some participants also reported positive feelings. Optimism emerged for 27%, excitement for 22%, and even happiness for 16%, showcasing how election stress can be mingled with hope.
It's not just anxiety over who wins; for many, this election season has disrupted workplaces and classrooms. The survey discovered 28% of participants felt their performance was moderately impacted by anxiety surrounding the elections. Among young adults, the concern is exceptionally prominent: 53% of Gen Z members and 42% of millennials reported disruptions at work or school, against only 24% of those from Gen X and 10% of baby boomers.
Dr. Rufus Tony Spann, a licensed professional counselor, explains this phenomenon as part of the “natural response” to the tough decisions voters face. He suggests some individuals’ worries stem from previous post-election backlash, indicating a pattern of emotional distress and concern for the future.
“Does your body become tense, and your breathing become shallow?” Dr. Spann asks, encouraging awareness of physical responses to emotional turmoil. These reactions highlight how deeply election stress can affect mental well-being.
To cope, many Americans are taking steps to protect their mental health. Almost 44% of those surveyed reported avoiding news, 35% choose to converse with friends and family instead, and 29% limit social media engagement. With the enormity of political debate intensity rising, many are apprehensive about spending time with loved ones during the impending holiday season; nearly half worry about family get-togethers during these turbulence-filled times.
Gen Z especially feels the strain; 60% of young adults indicated unease about upcoming family interactions, casting shadows over what traditionally would be cherished moments of connection.
The liberal use of social media isn’t helping either. Many survey respondents indicated feeling overwhelmed by the deluge of election-related information across platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and traditional news outlets. While 40% of individuals admit feeling overwhelmed by none of these platforms, there remains considerable anxiety surrounding the political content filling their feeds.
Interestingly, perceptions on social media’s impact on the electoral process diverge greatly between generations. While newer generations lean toward viewing these platforms as beneficial to democratic engagement, older generations express skepticism. About 40% of participants perceive social media as detrimental to democracy, and opinions vary dramatically between age cohorts—with baby boomers leading the pack of discontent.
“Recognizing the triggers of election anxiety is key,” explains Dr. Ho, as she emphasizes setting boundaries on political news consumption as a means of alleviating stress. She notes shifting the focus back onto personal agency and well-being is beneficial during high-anxiety times.
Among the wider population, issues of political polarization complicate matters even more. A recent review published in Nature Medicine underlines the significant correlation between political polarization and public health levels. This divide not only strains societal relationships but also exacerbates mental health issues.
The research highlights political polarization, defined as the widening gap between opposing sides of political discussions, as detrimental to community health and emotional stability. Historically, differences between opinions on healthcare and vaccination become less about individual preferences and more about affiliations, leading to stress and anxiety surrounding medical processes and political ideologies.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, ideology played a troubling role as vaccination rates fell along strict party lines. Evidence suggests how one’s political allegiance influenced their health decisions, leading to severe consequences during health crises, contributing to increased anxiety and fear among citizenry.
The polarization resulting from such societal divisions can make it increasingly difficult to achieve consensus on public health policies or even engage meaningfully with those holding opposing views. It’s like trying to build bridges over widening chasms fueled by misinformation and misunderstanding.
“Polarization can impair public health,” the researchers concluded, stressing the urgent need to address these divisions to protect both mental and physical health.
Awareness and acknowledgment of election-related stress are on the rise as academic and public interest converges. Social factors affecting mental health, including stress triggered by election anxiety, are becoming central topics of discussion among mental health professionals. There’s no denying the significant link between mental health experiences during election seasons and generational divides as observed across current surveys, connecting the dots of emotional response amid contentious political climates.
Overcoming these challenges involves addressing underlying anxieties, setting personal boundaries, and remaining informed and engaged without becoming overwhelmed. Mental health professionals urge individuals to take proactive steps toward empowering themselves by participating actively—registering to vote, researching candidates, and staying informed about the electoral process. Empowerment serves as not just relief from anxiety but also as proactive agency during tumultuous times.
With the election just around the corner, Americans can support one another through these turbulent emotional waters, ensuring conversations remain constructive and supportive rather than hostile—ultimately prioritizing mental well-being over political division.
