Election-Related Post-Traumatic Stress: What to Look Out For and How to Cope
By Rebecca Leon, MHC-LP
Election seasons can be highly charged, often eliciting feelings of hope, frustration, anxiety, and even trauma. During election season, we often focus on political ideologies and candidates, but the psychological toll of contentious politics is a prominent part of elections too. For some, especially those from marginalized communities, elections can evoke deep emotional wounds, leading to what can be described as election-related post-traumatic stress.
What is Election-Related Post-Traumatic Stress?
Election-related post-traumatic stress refers to the psychological distress caused or exacerbated by the political climate and electoral events. It is characterized by feelings of anxiety, hopelessness, or dread after the conclusion of a critical election outcome. While it is not a mental illness defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, it is a common response to elections (BetterHelp Editorial Team, 2024). Election-related stress can stem from various factors, such as:
Political Tensions: Polarized discourse and hostility in public and personal spaces (BetterHelp Editorial Team).
Historical Trauma: For communities with histories of systemic oppression, elections can evoke feelings of fear or helplessness about their safety and rights.
Media Overload: Continuous exposure to distressing news and social media commentary can heighten feelings of anxiety (BetterHelp Editorial Team).
Uncertain Outcomes: Concerns about how election results may impact one’s community, livelihood, or personal freedoms.
For many people, these stressors are compounded by personal experiences of discrimination, making election cycles even more stressful—they become deeply personal.
Symptoms to Watch For
Research shows the distress we feel around politics can harm our physical and mental health. In 2016, the presidential election caused significant stress for 52% of adults—in 2024, that number jumped to 69%. Many U.S. adults also reported they were worried that the election results could lead to violence (74% of respondents) or that the 2024 election could be the end of democracy in the U.S. (56% of respondents) (Abrams, 2024). These statistics reveal that stress related to elections is actually quite common.
According to various surveys, close to half of U.S. adults say politics is a significant source of stress, citing problems such as lost sleep, shortened tempers, and obsessive thoughts. Studies show that political events can make self-reported emotional reactivity and physical health worse (Abrams 2024). Stress can have a negative impact on our mental health, and election-related post-traumatic stress can manifest in several ways, including:
Persistent anxiety or worry.
Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or nightmares.
Emotional numbness or feelings of detachment.
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
Heightened irritability or a sense of hopelessness (BetterHelp Editorial Team).
These symptoms can significantly impact daily functioning, relationships, and overall well-being.
Why Marginalized Communities Are More Vulnerable
For people in marginalized communities, elections may feel like high-stakes events. The outcomes can directly affect policies that govern their rights, civil liberties, access to healthcare, safety, and opportunities. The emotional weight of fighting for recognition and justice through political participation can be overwhelming. Additionally, exposure to hate speech during election seasons can be both triggering and traumatic.
Below are some strategies for coping with stress during election season:
Strategies for Coping
Set Boundaries with Media Consumption: Limit exposure to news and social media, especially if it becomes overwhelming. Dedicate specific times to check updates rather than consuming information continuously (Abrams., 2024).
Engage in Community Support: Share your feelings with friends, family, or community. Collective processing can help reduce feelings of isolation and reinforce a sense of solidarity.
Prioritize Mental Health Care: Seek professional support from a counselor or therapist. Practices like mindfulness, meditation, or breath work can also be helpful (BetterHelp Editorial Team).
Advocate in Healthy Ways: Channel your emotions into constructive action, such as volunteering for organizations that align with your values. Advocacy can fuel a sense of empowerment and purpose (BetterHelp Editorial Team).
Practice Self-Care: Engage in activities that bring joy and relaxation, whether it’s spending time in nature, pursuing a hobby, or practicing spiritual rituals.
Moving Forward
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by election results, you’re certainly not alone - 69% of Americans feel the same way (Abrams, 2024). Remember to engage in self-care and reach out to loved ones and community members if you’re feeling stressed. We are always stronger together!
Sources:
Abrams, Z. (2024). The impact of election stress: Is political anxiety harming your health?
APA.
BetterHelp Editorial Team. (2024). What Is "Post-Election Stress Disorder": Managing
Stress To Improve Mental Health. BetterHelp.