The atmosphere is thick with tension as Election Day looms over the United States, and the emotional toll on individuals, families, and workplaces is palpable. Political anxiety is omnipresent, reaching unprecedented levels among citizens from all walks of life. Experts are sounding alarms, noting the effects of political polarization and electoral uncertainty on mental health, especially during what many have labeled the most dramatic presidential race of modern times.
With Americans divided and feelings of unease intensifying, many express they feel like democracy is under siege. According to CBS News Elections and Surveys Director Anthony Salvanto, both Democrats and Republicans are reporting heightened anxiety about the election's outcome. Voter Kay Hanley from California captures this sentiment succinctly, saying, "Like everybody else, there's a lot of nervousness and angst." The stakes feel high, and with discussion surrounding the election permeates every corner of social and professional life, it’s clear many are struggling to maintain their composure.
This stress transcends the voting booth; it's echoing loudly within workplaces and households alike. A recent survey from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) indicates workplace incivility is at an all-time high, fueled by political discourse. Organizational leaders are now facing not just the actual tasks of governance but also the management of emotional labor among their teams. Employee productivity is taking substantial hits, with estimates illustrating businesses losing about $2.17 billion daily due to absences linked to workplace discontent. Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., SHRM’s president and CEO, highlights this discontent as more than just temporary frustrations, warning of potential long-term damage to company culture and employee engagement.
Psychologists and mental health professionals are echoing similar concerns. Clinical experts warn of rising levels of stress hormones such as cortisol and testosterone, which spike during election cycles, exacerbated by tensions born from previous events like the January 6 Capitol riots. According to Dr. Joshua Stein, psychiatrist from Minnesota, many individuals suffer from "doomscrolling"—a term used to describe the excessive consumption of negative news, leading to feelings of helplessness. He implores individuals to recognize when stressors surpass manageable levels and suggests they take active steps to reintegrate healthy coping mechanisms.
Providing healthy coping strategies has become imperative. Experts are advocating for activities like physical exercise or engaging with hobbies outside the political arena to bring some joy and routine back to daily lives. "Exercise does wonders for anxiety, even if it’s the last thing on your mind amid stress," encourages Dr. Emanuel Maidenberg, clinical professor at UCLA.
It’s not just adults feeling the weight of election pressure. Children, too, are absorbing the anxiety exuded by parents. Psychiatrists like Dr. Amy King highlight how children are especially vulnerable to the emotions of adults around them, leading to reflections of adult distress. Practices such as maintaining routines and engaging children directly about their feelings surrounding the election can help mitigate stress at home. It’s recognized as equally important to acknowledge children's emotions and incorporate moments of transparency about the election process, allowing them to express and understand their perspectives without feeling overwhelmed.
Both Taylor Parker, Suicide Prevention Coordinator, and Dr. King believe this moment serves as an opportunity for young people to cultivate empathy and engage critically with current events. They see potential for growth and maturity among youth, as they grapple with their own political beliefs and mental health concerns, driving home the point about the importance of emotional stability and healthy discourse.
While the emotional fatigue of Election Day weighs heavily on people, there are proactive measures individuals can take to manage their mental health as they vote. Experts highlight the importance of setting boundaries: minimize media exposure, engage with social media responsibly, and take breaks as necessary. Finding moments of joy, practicing mindfulness or meditation, and focusing on daily routines can collectively help diminish pervasive election-related anxiety.
A consensus emerges surrounding the approach to taking care of one’s emotional wellbeing amid the stresses of election season. Dr. Sue Varma emphasizes maintaining "sacred spaces" free from constant connectivity and notifications, advocating for designated times to step away from screens and indulge in personal conversations, hobbies, or even solitude.
The advice extends beyond mere self-care; it involves fostering healthy environments whether at work or home. Amid the chaos of political discussions, creating spaces for calm, respect, and openness is seen as integral to preserving mental health. Progressive companies are taking strides to facilitate these conditions, with some even encouraging the construction of employee resource groups aimed at venting and discussing these pressures actively.
Despite the heavy cloud of stress hovering above the nation, there's hope for clear skies once the votes are tallied. Both businesses and individuals can emerge from this election season with practical tools to counteract anxiety, collectively contributing to the reform of workplaces and homes across the nation. Finding the silver linings through open communication and emotional support could just lead to healing conversations about the pitfalls of our current political climate. The resilience of communities at large will hinge on how willingly individuals engage with one another during and after this chaotic period.
Come what may after the dust settles, we can see this election period as not just stress or anxiety-ridden but also as a moment of growth for our society—a chance to overcome divisiveness through empathy, dialogue, and emotional wellbeing.
