Election Season & Your Mental Health
Coping with Stress, Anxiety, & Depression in Times of Political Uncertainty
The following information was generously shared by Samantha Silverman, LCSW, founder of Silver Linings Mental Health in Arvada. We’re grateful to benefit from her expertise and thoughtful insights as our community prepares for Election Day 2024!
Election season often brings intense emotions, with political uncertainty significantly impacting mental health. Many people experience heightened stress, anxiety, and even depression, a response now recognized as 'Election Stress Disorder.'
This stress can lead to symptoms like insomnia, strained social relationships, and difficulty disconnecting from social media. The cycle of election-related stress often amplifies negative emotions and can affect physical health, making it challenging to break free.
Understanding Election Stress Disorder
Election Stress Disorder refers to the heightened feelings of anxiety and stress that arise during politically charged times. This can manifest as disturbed sleep, an increased need for control, and frequent thoughts about politics.
Individuals may experience higher levels of cortisol — a stress hormone — triggered by political activities or discussion. These elevated cortisol levels are associated with the physical symptoms of stress, highlighting how emotionally and physically draining this season can be.
The Role of Social Media and 24-Hour News Cycles
Social media and around-the-clock news coverage play significant roles in shaping the mental well-being of individuals during election season.
Social media usage activate the brain’s reward center by releasing dopamine, making it an addictive mechanism. The endless cycle of news often fuels a "fight or flight" response in the brain, producing stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. This constant exposure can lead to a negative feedback loop, where people continuously ruminate on distressing news.
Humans are naturally drawn to unsettling information, as our brains are wired to pay attention to things that may pose a threat. This survival mechanism, however, becomes counterproductive in the face of relentless media exposure, resulting in increased stress and anxiety.
The Importance of Mindfulness, Therapy,& Self-Care
During high-stress periods, self-care, therapy, and mindfulness practices become essential tools for maintaining mental health. Our mental health is intricately tied to our physical health. For example, depression can make you 40% more likely to develop chronic illnesses like diabetes or heart disease.
Engaging in self-care reduces stress and anxiety, boosts energy, improves social relationships, and can increase longevity.
Self-Care Tips for Managing Election Stress Disorder
Acknowledge Negative Feelings:
Recognize and understand what is causing heightened emotions & stress.
Set Boundaries:
Limit daily time spent on social media to avoid overwhelming yourself with constant news.
Engage in Healthy Habits:
Exercise, meditate, maintain a balanced diet, and ensure you are sleeping at least 7 hours at night.
Connect with Loved Ones:
Spend time with supportive friends and family, focusing on your shared values. When discussing politics, try to listen with empathy, curiosity, and respect.
Focus on What You Can Control:
Direct your energy toward positive actions within your reach. Sometimes, the simple act of brightening someone else’s day can reduce stress!
Communities Most Impacted by Election-Related Stress
It’s important to recognize that election-related stress doesn’t affect everyone equally; marginalized communities often feel a heightened impact.
LGBTQIA+ Individuals: 86% of LGBTQ+ youth report that recent political events have negatively impacted their mental health, often due to concerns over personal safety and civil rights.
People of Color: Nearly 65% of Black adults and 66% of Latino adults feel that their rights are under threat, with some even considering relocation due to political climate concerns.
Women: More than half of women report that political events impact their mental health, with specific concerns related to gender equity, healthcare, and reproductive rights.
Lower-Income Communities: Individuals with lower income levels often experience additional stress due to economic uncertainty and the potential for policies affecting social welfare.
For those experiencing significant stress, support is available through resources like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and SAMHSA’s National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP), providing mental health and substance use guidance.
Mental Health in Policy Discussions
Mental health is not only a personal issue—it’s a public one. Unaddressed mental health concerns can ripple through communities, impacting productivity, family relationships, and even the safety of our neighborhoods.
This shouldn’t be a partisan issue; mental health challenges affect people across all demographics, regardless of background or political beliefs. Addressing our mental health crisis requires commitment from leaders across the political spectrum to prioritize funding and build infrastructure that ensures accessible care for all.
Getting Involved in Mental Health Advocacy
If you’re passionate about advancing mental health policy, consider supporting Colorado-based organizations that advocate for mental health, like:
As the state's leading advocate for mental health and substance use care, Mental Health Colorado engages policymakers, providers, and the public to promote mental well-being and ensure equitable access to care. They focus on policy work, legislation, and public education to end discrimination and improve mental health services statewide.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Colorado:
NAMI Colorado provides support, education, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by mental illness. They work to build communities of recovery and hope by educating the public and advocating for better mental health policies.
Colorado Behavioral Healthcare Council (CBHC):
CBHC serves as the membership association for Colorado’s community providers of mental health and substance use disorder treatment services. They advocate for policies that enhance behavioral health care across the state. Engaging with CBHC can provide opportunities to participate in legislative advocacy efforts.
Colorado Mental Wellness Network (CMWN):
CMWN is a peer-led organization offering peer support, wellness education, and advocacy. They empower individuals to improve their lives and advocate for systemic changes in mental health care. Getting involved with CMWN can provide avenues to participate in grassroots advocacy and policy initiatives.
The tips & insights in this post come from Samantha Silverman, LCSW, founder of Silver Linings Mental Health in Arvada, CO. Samantha specializes in helping clients manage stress, anxiety, and trauma.
For personalized support, please reach out to:
Silver Linings Mental Health
Phone: 720-722-1731
Instagram: @silver_linings_counseling
Facebook: Silver Linings Counseling LLC