The presidential election that wreaked havoc on mental health — with Gen Z most affected: poll

If you’re feeling tired this election cycle, you’re far from alone.

More than 60% of respondents stated that their mental health was either slightly, moderately or significantly negatively affected by the upcoming election.

In fact, 46% reported feelings of anxiety, 37% felt stress and 31% experienced feelings of fear.

Election anxiety is affecting young Americans in particular, the Forbes Health survey found.

Among generations, Gen Z (66%), Millennials (64%) and Gen X (63%) were more likely to say the election had at least a slightly negative impact on their mental health, compared to 56% of baby boomers . boomers.

However, although the survey found that the top emotions reported around the 2024 election were anxiety, stress and fear, not all reported emotions were negative.

In fact, 27% of participants reported feeling optimistic, 22% felt excitement, 16% experienced happiness, and 12% felt relief.

Men were more likely to express positive emotions such as excitement (27%) than women (19%), as well as optimism (32% vs. 24%). Women had a higher percentage of respondents experiencing anxiety, stress and fear.

What’s more, for some participants political stress extends beyond the voting booth and affects school and work, according to the survey.

When asked how much their performance at work or school has been negatively affected by the upcoming election (for example, due to uncontrollable worry or anxiety), 28% of respondents stated that their performance was at least slightly affected negative way from the next elections. the elections.

Gen Z and millennials were more likely to report negative effects on their work at work or at school, at 53% and 42%, respectively, compared to 24% of Gen X and just 10% of baby boomers.

“I think Election Day anxiety is a natural response to the important decisions we’re being asked to make,” says Rufus Tony Spann, Ph.D., a certified school psychologist, licensed professional counselor, and Advisory Board member. Forbes Health based in Waldorf. , Maryland.

“I believe some people’s anxiety comes from past election results,” explains Dr. Spann. “Based on the results of the previous election, some communities felt they needed to prepare for the backlash due to the election results.â€

“In my opinion, anxiety can manifest itself in our bodies, decision-making and emotions,” says Dr. Spann. “One way to know if anxiety is manifesting in our bodies is to be aware of how our bodies react to political decision-making. Does your body become tense and your breathing shallow? Although these may not be exact signs, they may be responses to the political situation.” says Dr. Spann.

To cope with election anxiety, 44% of Americans are making efforts to avoid the news, while 35% are talking to friends and/or family. Another 29% are staying off social media as well.

In some cases, sharing political views with family or friends does not always guarantee a like-minded audience, and the intensity of debates over conflicting positions has the potential to increase during election season.

Almost half (44%) of respondents reported feeling more anxious about spending time with family and friends for the upcoming holiday season with the presidential election just around the corner.

Gen Z had the highest percentage of respondents feeling at least a little anxious about spending time with family or friends during this year’s holiday season, at 60%, followed by 54% of millennials, 44% of Gen X and 28% of baby boomers.

The survey findings suggest that the onslaught of information available on social media is adding to the overload and anxiety in this 2024 election cycle.

When asked which platforms overwhelm them with the volume of content they have about the upcoming presidential election, respondents pointed to news outlets (26%), YouTube (23%), TikTok (19%) and Instagram (16%) .

However, it is important to note that 40% of respondents stated that they felt overwhelmed by none of the above.

Political content on social media sites can actually turn users off, with 26% of overall respondents reducing their use of social media before an election and 6% stopping using social media altogether.

When asked whether they think social media helps or hurts the democratic process, 40% of those polled believe it at least somewhat hurts the process, while 29% believe it at least somewhat helps it. Gen Z (45%) and millennials (36%) had the highest percentage of respondents who said social media at least somewhat helps the democratic process.

Baby boomers (51%) and Gen X (41%) were more likely to say social media harms the democratic process, compared to 33% of millennials and 24% of Gen Z.

The intersection of social media, politics and personal relationships can also play a role in election anxiety, adds Dr. Ho. “Knowing the triggers of election anxiety is essential,” she says. “In my opinion, past elections, experiences with the current political climate, and messages from family, friends, the media, and social media can cause this anxiety.”

She recommends coping with this anxiety by setting limits on the amount of time you spend consuming political news.

“Treating election anxiety means you can take an active part in the election,” adds Dr. Spann. “By taking the steps to register to vote, getting to know the candidates and voting, you are taking an active role in the process. This empowerment can help alleviate some of the anxiety.â€

However, if you feel overwhelmed by the election or politics, Dr. Spann notes that it’s important to steer clear of political messages. “Once you have clarity by relaxing your mind and body, give yourself the space to make a decision you feel comfortable with. Remember, your well-being is essential and taking a break from stress can help you make a more informed decision, he says.