How Election Stress Affects Your Mental Health: 3 Common Signs and How Therapy Can Help
Election years can be an emotional roller coaster, and 2024 is no exception. With the Democratic National Convention (DNC) recently held in Chicago, the city was alive with energy—passionate speeches, large-scale protests, and relentless media coverage. As the political climate heats up, it's no surprise that many of us feel a bit on edge. The constant stream of debates, social media chatter, and uncertainty about the future can wear on our mental health. It’s important to understand how politics might be affecting your well-being, especially when tensions are running this high.
The Impact of Election Years on Mental Health
Politics touches on issues that are central to who we are—our values, beliefs, and identities. During an election year, the stakes feel even higher. The outcome can shape policies that have a direct impact on our lives, which makes everything feel more intense. For many, the political scene becomes a source of stress, stirring up feelings of fear, uncertainty, or even anger. The polarization of opinions can also strain relationships, leading to a sense of isolation or frustration.
The media only adds to the pressure. We’re constantly bombarded with news, social media posts, and heated conversations that can become overwhelming. This nonstop exposure can lead to what some call “election stress disorder,” where anxiety and stress linked to political events become all-consuming.
Signs That Politics May Be Affecting Your Mental Health
It’s crucial to recognize when the political climate is starting to take a toll on your mental health. Here are three common signs to watch for:
1. Increased Anxiety or Stress: If you’re feeling more anxious or stressed than usual—especially when you’re watching the news or talking politics—that’s a sign the election might be weighing on you. This anxiety might show up as headaches, muscle tension, or trouble sleeping.
2. Constant Preoccupation with Political Events: Staying informed is one thing, but if you find yourself obsessing over politics, it could be time to reassess. Constantly checking the news, following every debate, or losing sleep over the election’s outcome might indicate that it’s consuming too much of your mental energy.
3. Strained Relationships: Politics can be divisive, and election years often amplify that. If you’re avoiding certain conversations or experiencing conflict with loved ones over political differences, it’s a sign that the election is affecting more than just your opinions—it’s impacting your relationships.
Seeking Therapy as an Outlet
Election years are challenging, and it's okay to seek support. Therapy can be a valuable outlet for exploring the complex emotions that surface during political events. A therapist can help you unpack the feelings tied to your political identity and how they intersect with other parts of your life—whether it’s your cultural, religious, or social identities.
In therapy, you can dive into the roots of your political beliefs and how they align with your core values. It’s also a space where you can learn to manage the stress and anxiety that come with not knowing how things will turn out. By talking things through in a safe, supportive environment, you can gain clarity on how politics is affecting you and develop healthy ways to cope with the stress.
Therapy can also help with the impact of political polarization on your relationships. Navigating political differences with loved ones can be tough, but a therapist can offer strategies for effective communication, setting boundaries, and keeping your relationships healthy despite differing opinions.
As we move through this election year, prioritizing your mental health is key. Recognizing the signs of election-related stress and seeking support when needed can make all the difference. It’s okay to step back from the political noise and focus on self-care—your mental health matters just as much as staying informed. Finding a balance between the two will help you get through this election year with resilience and peace of mind.
In the end, while election years can be stressful, they’re also a time for reflection and growth. Therapy offers a chance to explore how your political identity fits into your larger sense of self. Understanding how politics intersects with other aspects of your identity can help you navigate this challenging time with strength and grace.