As National Stress Awareness Day coincides with the aftermath of a highly stressful presidential election, many Americans find themselves struggling with heightened anxiety, uncertainty, and division. But what is the true relationship between the stress of an election cycle and the toll it takes on our mental health ? Understanding the connection is crucial, especially when the psychological impacts can be detrimental even after ballots are cast and counted.
Every year on the first Wednesday of November millions of Americans reflect on the daily pressures they face. Coincidentally, the US federal elections occur on the Tuesday following the first Monday in November. This year National Stress Awareness Day and the election fell on November 6 and November 5 respectively. The correlation between the stress of elections and the toll it takes on mental health is undeniable, and understanding this relationship is more critical now than ever.
There are various connections between the election and mental health. Leading up to elections, the media tends to amplify political divisions and often focuses on the most negative and controversial issues. This constant stream of information can create an environment of hyper-vigilance, where individuals feel anxious, stressed, and sometimes even hopeless about their future. People worry about the implications for their lives, communities, and country.
Evidence of the emotional impact of this election can be seen in our very own community. Recently a SoCal teacher in Moreno Valley was put on administrative leave due to a leaked video where he can be heard expressing his frustrations over the results of our presidential election. The school district believes it was a violation of professional conduct and took action in response to his emotional outburst that happened in the classroom. This event highlights how deeply political elections, especially one as controversial as the presidential election can affect individuals mental health.
The period after an election can bring up heightened stress and emotional strain, no matter the outcome. To manage these emotions, it’s important to acknowledge and validate these feelings. It is important to create spaces where open conversations can be held to help express these emotions without judgment or ridicule. People can also engage in self care like getting enough sleep, meditation, exercise, and participating in activities that they enjoy. By combining self-care,support, and positive action, individuals can better cope with the mental challenges that often follow an election.
