Presidential election a source of ‘significant stress’ for almost 70% surveyed

If you’re feeling anxious about the presidential election, you’re not alone. A survey by the American Psychological Association found that it caused “significant stress” for 69% of adults in this country. 

Psychologist Christopher Sege, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Medical University of South Carolina, said stress seems to have been ramping up with each election cycle. “What’s become an increasing part of the election conversation is the fear of, ‘If this happens and that happens, we're going to be in big trouble.’ You know, that's kind of a tactic.”

 

That tactic may be contributing to election anxiety, Sege said. But that anxiety doesn’t have to become overwhelming. “Recognizing what you can do, like voting, is important. But also recognize that there's only so much you can do. Take time to take care of yourself and recognize when you've done everything you can do and be OK with that.”

But some people are having a hard time doing that. The Psychological Association survey found 74% of adults were afraid that the presidential election results “could lead to violence,” and 56% worried that the election “could be the end of democracy in the U.S.”

Sege said in his experience, it’s important to realize that things are never hopeless. “So even if the election doesn't go the way you want it to, there's plenty that can still be done after that. And things will get better.”

In the meantime, he said, figure out what helps ease stress. “You’ve got to know what works for you. I think if you were a patient of mine, we would work together to find the things that are positive for you or bring some relaxation and maybe serenity back to you and make sure that you stay engaged in those things,” Sege said.

“Sometimes we drop those things when we're very anxious. Sometimes anxiety makes it feel like those are things we shouldn't be doing. But really, we should keep doing them. It's whatever makes you happy.”

He also recommended that people be aware of how much election news they’re consuming. “I think there's a turning point. Maybe watching election coverage to some degree is good – it keeps you informed. But then it can become kind of addictive and goes beyond where it's useful," Sege said.

“I would probably reflect on, ‘Am I learning something from watching this, or am I now just kind of watching it because I can't pull away?’ That's probably a good time to pull away.”

Sege also said people shouldn’t isolate themselves in times of stress. Voting, where large numbers of people are gathered, can help put things in perspective. 

“I voted this weekend and was standing in line with everybody, and I don't know who's voting for whom. But you know you're probably surrounded by people voting for all different things, and you kind of remember that, ‘Oh yeah, these are all human beings. They all seem pretty nice, and everybody's getting along and making little jokes to each other,’” Sege said.

“As much as it seems like we're really divided, being in those spaces can help you recognize there are still a lot of commonalities as well. We can still get along even if we disagree.”