Election anxiety affecting mental health of 20% of Americans, survey finds

The election season that seemingly would never end is quickly approaching the finish line, with voters going to the polls in less than two weeks. However, the impact on the mental wellbeing of many Americans may linger past Election Day.

More than 2 in 10 respondents said election coverage has had a negative impact on their mental wellbeing in a national survey by AMFM Healthcare, which provides mental health treatment. Twenty-nine percent said coverage had a positive impact, and half said it was neither positive nor negative.

Those who reported a negative impact cited several key stressors:

• Navigating misinformation (58%) and the prevalence of “doom-and-gloom” messaging (56%) were the top contributors to anxiety.
• Fifty-five percent of respondents expressed concern about the aftermath of the election.
• Forty-two percent worried that their preferred candidate might not win.
• The volume of election coverage was overwhelming for 39% of respondents, exacerbating feelings of stress.

The survey also delved into the specific negative impacts of the election itself on mental health. Thirty percent of respondents reported increased anxiety related to the election, while 22% said they felt overwhelmed and 18% experienced heightened feelings of anger. However, 32% of respondents said the election was not negatively affecting their mental wellbeing.

Social media plays a significant role in how individuals experience election-related stress. Twenty-one percent of respondents agreed that election coverage on social media was damaging their mental health, while 36% disagreed. Five percent indicated that they do not use social media at all. These results suggest that the influence of social media varies depending on personal engagement with political content.

Finally, many respondents expressed anxiety about the future of the nation following Election Day. Forty percent reported experiencing some anxiety, and 23% indicated a significant amount of anxiety. In contrast, 20% of respondents reported no anxiety about the post-election future.

Read more: Down to the wire: 2024 elections impacting health care and employee benefits

For those experiencing election-related anxiety, discussing the topic with others can be challenging. More than one-third of respondents reported avoiding conversations about election anxiety with friends or colleagues who support opposing political parties. In the workplace, 53% of respondents said they actively avoid election-related discussions because it makes them anxious.

“This survey highlights the varied ways in which election coverage is impacting mental health across the country,” the survey report concluded. “While some individuals manage their anxiety or avoid the topic, others find the overwhelming amount of coverage and misinformation to be significant stressors. As the election season intensifies, it is crucial for individuals to seek balance, limit their exposure to anxiety-inducing content and consider seeking support when needed. These findings provide valuable insights into the broader conversation about mental health during politically charged times.”