Election season is here, and emotions are revving up. Americans experience such increased levels of stress and anxiety during the weeks leading up to a major election that mental health professionals have a name for it—election stress disorder. While not a clinical diagnosis, the symptoms are real, and can have a significant impact on our social, emotional, and physical well-being.
Information overload can throw us off course, and too much stress can leave us stranded on the side of the road.
Today, we’re inundated with a 24/7 news cycle and clickbait headlines. Politically charged comments from friends and family are filling our dining tables and our social media feeds. And our adrenaline is surging at full speed as we face the unknown, keeping us in a chronic stress response that impacts our sleep, mood, and ability to concentrate on anything outside the election.
Are you or a loved one experiencing any of these symptoms of election stress disorder?
- Heightened anxiety and/or depression
- Body tension
- Trouble sleeping
- Increased heart/pulse rate while online or talking about politics
- Unable to turn off intrusive thoughts about the election
- Irritability, anger, and resentment
- Headaches, stomachaches or other physical pain
If so, you’re not alone:
Three-quarters of Americans
are feeling anxious about the election.
40% of Americans
say they are “checked out” due to the amount of news and social media focused on politics.
1 in 5 US voters
say that politics have hurt their friendships or family relationships it might be time to set some boundaries and build new habits—online, in conversations, and in your daily life.
Questions?
We know that reaching out can be difficult.
Our compassionate team of experts is here to help.
Call us at 866-926-7701
or complete the form below.
We can help steer you toward support.
In this roadmap, we offer ways to protect your own and your loved ones’ mental health and relationships, so you can get through election season with less anxiety, more support, and greater peace of mind.
Download your roadmap to get directions for:
- Staying balanced
- Having hard conversations
- Managing your media intake
- Supporting children and teens
- Setting boundaries
Remember, you don’t have to white-knuckle it through election season.
Stressful events can make existing mental health issues worse, or trigger new symptoms. If you or a loved one would benefit from mental health support to navigate current stress or address underlying trauma, depression, or anxiety, we can help. Contact us to discuss treatment options and learn more about our residential and outpatient care.