A nerve-wracking day is approaching, and since Halloween has already passed, you know it must be that other day. Thankfully, presidential Election Day only happens once every four years, because it has Americans seriously stressed. According to an American Psychiatric Association poll, 73% of U.S. adults are anxious about the 2024 election. Let’s examine a few of the major causes of this anxiety and offer some ways to cope with it. 

Psychological Factors Contributing to Election Anxiety  

Fear of the Unknown 

This is one of the leading and most obvious causes of election anxiety. People fear their candidate(s) might not win, or they may feel uncertain about the changes to their country, state, standard of living, and quality of life that may result. 

Hostile, Misleading, or Unreliable Rhetoric  

Social media has made the public conversation immediate and wide-reaching. Though a powerful vehicle for self-expression, this technology has also empowered and emboldened those inclined to share questionable statements as facts, sometimes in connection with hateful or offensive messages.  

Long Election Cycles 

General elections in the U.S. seem to be transforming into perpetual affairs, with candidates campaigning years in advance of Election Day. News media outlets speculate about who will run in the next election cycle almost as soon as the current one is concluded.  

Before the 1970s, presidential candidates would begin their campaigns mere months before voters went to the polls. The never-ending election mindset and discourse can cause fatigue among the voting public, who by the time Election Day arrives have accumulated a considerable amount of anxiety. 

Managing Election Anxiety: Psychology-Based Strategies  

Control What You Can 

In elections, as elsewhere in life, there are some things we can control and others we cannot.  

Registering to vote and following through with voting is the best way to have some influence over your political concerns. Volunteering for candidates you support is another option. 

Tune Out 

Take an occasional break from election coverage and discussions. The idea is not to hide from what’s going on but rather experience it in smaller portions, especially when it causes you stress. Fearmongering hits its peak during election cycles: Don’t give in to it. 

Consider the Source … and Other Sources  

Much of the negative election discourse comes from organizations and lobbyists who have much to gain from your fears. Media outlets tend to run sensationalistic stories because they know viewers, readers, or listeners will pay attention. Headlines are often exaggerated and self-serving, focusing on worst-case post-election scenarios. 

It’s equally important to gather information from a variety of sources and draw your own conclusions, not just follow rhetoric from a single source which may not be presenting a full picture of the facts. Exposure to both alternate viewpoints and shared perspectives from those who share your concerns and views can provide some equanimity and peace of mind during this hectic season.  

Rely on Your Standbys 

Do you practice yoga? Get massages? Exercise regularly? These acts of self-care become especially important in stressful times, so be sure to maintain your routines or start new ones if you don’t already have them. Keep yourself busy and productive, and spend time with friends and family members who aren’t likely to stoke your election anxiety. 

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If you find emotion, behavior, and other aspects of human psychology compelling, you’ll find much to consider and explore in The University of Texas Permian Basin’s online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program—available online exclusively at this UT System institution.  

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Sources: 
https://thrivingcenterofpsych.com/blog/political-anxiety-statistics/
https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2024-05-02/economy-election-spur-rising-anxiety-among-americans-in-2024
https://publichealthpost.org/mental-behavioral-health/the-2024-presidential-election-is-making-americans-anxious/
https://tinyurl.com/5yms49jp