by If you’re feeling stressed during this election cycle, you’re far from alone.
More than 60% of respondents stated that their mental health has been slightly, moderately or significantly negatively affected by the upcoming election.
In fact, 46% reported feelings of anxiety, 37% felt stress and 31% experienced feelings of fear.
Election anxiety especially affects younger Americans, according to the Forbes Health study.
Among generations, Generation Z (66%), Millennials (64%), and Generation babies. boomers.
Although the survey found that the most commonly reported emotions surrounding the 2024 election were fear, stress and anxiety, not all of the emotions reported were negative.
In fact, 27% of participants reported feeling optimistic, 22% felt excitement, 16% experienced happiness, and 12% felt relief.
Men were more likely to express positive emotions, such as excitement (27%) than women (19%), as well as optimism (32% vs. 24%). Among women, the percentage of respondents experiencing anxiety, stress and fear was higher.
Moreover, for some participants, political stress extends beyond the voting booth and impacts school and work, the study found.
When asked to what extent their performance at work or school has been negatively affected by the upcoming elections (for example, due to uncontrollable worry or fear), 28% of respondents stated that their performance has been at least slightly negatively affected by the upcoming elections. elections. election.
Gen Z and millennials were the most likely to report negative impacts on their performance in the workplace or at school, 53% and 42% respectively, compared to 24% of Gen X and just 10% of baby boomers.
“I think election day anxiety is a natural response to the important decisions we are asked to make,” says Rufus Tony Spann, Ph.D., a certified school psychologist, licensed professional counselor and member of the Forbes Health Advisory Board , based in Waldorf, Maryland.
“I believe some people’s fears stem from past post-election results,” explains Dr. Stretch out. “Based on the results of previous elections, some communities felt they should prepare for the backlash resulting from the election results.”
“In my opinion, anxiety can manifest itself in our bodies, our decision-making, and our emotions,” says Dr. Spann. “One way to know if fear is manifesting in our bodies is to be aware of how our bodies respond to political decision-making. Does your body tense and your breathing become shallow? Although these do not have to be exact signals, they can be reactions to the political situation.” says Dr. Spann.
To cope with election anxiety, 44% of Americans are making an effort to avoid the news, while 35% are talking to friends and/or family. Another 29% also stay off social media.
In some cases, sharing political views with family or friends does not always guarantee a like-minded audience, and the intensity of debates over conflicting positions has the potential to be heightened during election season.
Nearly half (44%) of respondents said they would be more concerned about spending time with family and friends during the upcoming holidays, with the presidential election taking place just before.
Gen Z had the highest percentage of respondents feeling at least somewhat anxious about spending time with family or friends during this year’s holidays at 60%, followed by 54% of Millennials, 44% of Gen of the baby boomers.
Overwhelm and anxiety during this 2024 election cycle is compounded by the abundance of information available on social media, survey results show.
When asked which platforms are overwhelming them with the amount of content they have about the upcoming presidential election, respondents pointed to news publications (26%), YouTube (23%), TikTok (19%) and Instagram (16%).
However, it is important to note that 40% of respondents stated that they did not feel overwhelmed by any of the above.
Political content on social media sites can actually drive users away, with 26% of total respondents reducing their social media use in the run-up to the election and 6% stopping social media use completely.
When asked whether they feel social media helps or hurts the democratic process, 40% of survey participants believe it hurts the process at least somewhat, while 29% believe it hurts the process at least helps somewhat. Gen Z (45%) and Millennials (36%) had the highest percentage of respondents who said social media helps the democratic process at least somewhat.
Baby Boomers (51%) and Gen
The intersection of social media, politics and personal relationships can also play a role in election anxiety, Dr Ho added. “Recognizing the causes of election anxiety is critical,” she says. “In my opinion, past elections, experiences with the current political climate and messages from family, friends, media and social media can all cause this fear.”
She recommends dealing with this fear by setting limits on the amount of time you spend consuming political news.
“Tackling election anxiety means being able to actively participate in having a choice,” adds Dr. Spann. “By taking the steps to register to vote, learn about the candidates and vote, you are taking an active stance in this process. This empowerment can help alleviate some of the anxiety.”
But if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the election or politics, Dr. Stress that it is important to distance yourself from political messages. “After you gain clarity by relaxing your mind and body, give yourself space to make a decision that you feel comfortable with. Remember, your well-being is crucial, and taking a break from stress can help you make a more informed decision,” he says.
