As the election approaches, Americans are increasingly stressed about politics. Kamala Harris and Donald Trump present two different visions of the United States. More than half of citizens believe that their rights are at risk. The issue of the right to abortion, immigration and the cost of living, among others, raises concerns. Citizens are tired of politics and divisions in the country. Many American adults admit that they limit contact with family because of differences in views.
Constant press coverage, social media posts and ubiquitous advertising are constant reminders of what is at stake. Many Americans admit to feeling anxious about the tight presidential race. 77 percent of adults say the future of the United States is a significant source of stress for them.
– Emotions related to the elections are real. We all experience them. If they affect your mental health, well-being and relationships, you are not alone, emphasizes psychologist Laura Goldstein.
Uncertainty about the election results combined with intense polarization has left many people feeling overwhelmed and nervous. Some of the solutions proposed by politicians may threaten people's sense of security and freedom, which only increases anxiety. More than 60 percent of citizens believe their rights are threatened, according to a report prepared by the American Psychological Association.
– We hear about politics all the time. Both sides talk about the end of democracy and that the world is heading towards collapse. There are a lot of negative emotions. They also accompany my friends and family. I try to distance myself from it, but eventually it catches up with me, admits Jeff Schelt, a resident of Los Angeles.
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“We are dealing with stress, anxiety, fear”
The stress associated with elections translates into interpersonal relationships. Many Americans say the political climate is creating tensions between them and their loved ones. 3 out of 10 citizens admit that they limit the time they spend with their family due to differences in views.
– We are dealing with stress, anxiety and fear. Sometimes we feel anger or indignation. As therapists, we see that people often have trouble establishing contacts because they do not feel safe. They don't know if they're in a safe environment where they can talk about politics, he says Laura Goldstein.
– I think that many people need to look at it all more broadly and understand that our lives will end someday. We should be happy with what we have and not argue about politics every second, either on social media or in the real world – says Gregg Parker, a resident of Los Angeles.
72 percent of adult citizens fear that the vote results could lead to violence, and more than half believe that this year's election could be the end of democracy in the United States. “I have hope in this election, but at the same time I feel very anxious, especially with the recent events and rallies that have taken place,” says Ezequiel Feliciano, an Arizona resident.
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How to deal with election stress?
There is a lot of advice in the American media on how to deal with election stress. Psychologists encourage citizens to try to name their fears and share their concerns with loved ones or a mental health specialist. They urge Americans to spend less time watching the news.
– Spending time in nature, creative activities, drawing, cooking, spending time with people we care about. There are different ways to deal with stress, says psychologist Kerry Jarvi.
Despite concerns about the nation's future, a study by the American Psychological Association revealed tremendous determination among citizens. Nearly 80 percent of adults said they would take part in the elections, and over half admitted that they felt obliged to fight for issues that were important to them.
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Main photo source: PAP/EPA/ERIK S. LESSER