Election-Induced Anxiety? You’re Not Alone

I’m anxious about the election. I know this because I’m suddenly watching Real Housewives of NYC. The storylines are a mess. The drama is ridiculous. But I climb into bed every night, hit play, and let it take over. I couldn’t tell you a single thing about an episode the next day. It barely registers. But somehow, it works. The show clears everything out. My mind is empty, and I can sleep.

When I’m not working or with my kids, I’m listening to a podcast. Any podcast. This, too, is a way to keep my brain occupied, to avoid sitting with all this uncertainty. Everyone I talk to feels the same — restless, agitated, jittery. It’s that mix of wanting to tune out, yet feeling like we can’t look away. We’re all waiting, trying to manage our thoughts, hopes, and fears, as we inch toward an outcome. Regardless of who we vote for, it’s a big deal.

It turns out that I’m not alone in this election-induced spiral. According to a report from the American Psychological Association, more than 70% of adults feel that the future of the United States is a major source of stress. Psychologists from UC Berkeley explain it as anxiety stemming from uncertainty and a lack of control — two things this election brings out in full force. With stakes this high, it’s no wonder we’re all looking for ways, any ways, to cope.

Readers’ Response

Seattle magazine talked to 11 voters about how they’re handling election anxiety.

The one thing that eased my election anxiety was voting. It felt like something I could control for a minute. Unfortunately, that dopamine hit wore off and I’m back to doom scrolling, but focusing on state and local races and stealing some of my kids’ Halloween candy helped a bit. As a former political journalist, I used to love following every twist and turn of presidential races. But the political climate in the United States has changed that for me. This is my first presidential election in two decades where I won’t be covering the news, so I’m keeping it simple: watching the returns, anxiously texting with family and friends, and likely keeping some journalistic traditions alive, like ordering pizza and staying up most of the night.

Jill Jackson
Seattle

I have been deliberately limiting my exposure to election news coverage on TV and the radio. It usually consists of switching from NPR to a long-form narrative podcast or changing the channel when an ad comes on. On election night, I will be streaming Christmas music and doing a crossword puzzle with my husband on the couch.

Mikayla Patella-Buckley
Mountain Terrace

 

In practical terms, my wife and I are approaching the election by stocking up on essentials, including water, beer, and Pepto Bismol. Not that we expect Vancouver, Wash., to be a focal point of the protesting and violence that is likely no matter the election’s outcome. I haven’t yet had trouble sleeping, but I anticipate that changing during election week. I expect we’ll watch reruns of Big Bang Theory or Bob Newhart on election evening. Maybe stream a Bruce Springsteen concert. Then again, ignoring result projections isn’t going to calm the anxiety, or the frustration that the fate of the Union comes down to a few battleground states, and is beyond our control.

Joseph P. Reilly
Vancouver

 

I’ve minimized how much I consume about the election. I listen to 15 minutes of NPR coverage daily in the car and read a few newspaper articles a week. That’s it. Basically, I try to keep up to date while skipping all the repetitive commentary out there. Also, I sought out proof of my Canadian citizenship last year because, even though it would take so much for me to abandon my home country, it eases my mind to have options for my family.

Amanda Cole
Edmonds  

 

My approach during this election cycle has been to fill my life with positive information and focus on the outcome I desire, not leaving room for anything else, especially worry. Up until now I have been ignoring the polls and news, and occasionally running across things from my favorite TikTok  journalist, V Spehar @underthedesknews. I can’t leave room in my brain for the alternative outcome, for me, my daughter, or our country. The other contributing factor to my avoidant approach is that I live in Washington state, where women’s rights to bodily autonomy are protected. I can’t predict how that would change in another Trump presidency, but I can tell you we survived the last one. This country is resilient, and once we have a leader that embodies unity instead of division, we will find our way. I believe in that outcome for us. I have to.

Heather Trestrail
Seattle 

 

I have to work really hard to compartmentalize everything happening with this election. If I don’t put it out of my mind, my anxiety is high. There is a lot to worry about, and not much I can do about it. It’s a difficult task when you’re inundated: commercials, texts, posts, news articles, random conversations (because who isn’t talking about this election?) I voted and now I wait. On election night, I wish I could be abroad.

Kristen Proctor
Shoreline

 

As a Christian, my faith is in God, not elected officials. It is time more than ever for believers to lean into Jesus. I don’t know what will happen on Nov. 5.  I’ve heard rumors ranging from court challenges to civil war. But I don’t overly worry about it. I trust God is ultimately in charge, and that He will lead me through. Political conditions in Jesus’ time were brutal. Our Lord taught us not to focus on that, but rather the goodness of God. It’s a lesson that will serve us well this Election Day.

Carter Adams
Kirkland

 

The election this year is definitely giving me anxiety. I’m trying to be conscious of my own reaction (or overreaction) to challenges large and small. I feel like everyone is on edge right now, like we’re all collectively holding our breath. The women in my life, in particular, are taking action in ways I haven’t seen before, phone banking and speaking out on social media. I think we want to feel like we did everything we could to protect other women and democracy. And when it comes to election night: My husband and I stocked up on comfort food (plus a couple bottles of nice whiskey). I won’t be able to tune out, even if we take a break Tuesday night to watch an old sitcom or something. No matter what happens, I know I’ll need my CBD gummy to get to sleep Tuesday night.

Parker Kelley
Seattle

 

I have tried to limit the time I spend reading political news and looking at polls, mixing in other topics like sports and local news. When I do get anxious or have a hard time sleeping, I turn to an old favorite video game from many years ago: Civilization V. On election night, I will play indoor soccer, have a beer with my teammates, and then head home to celebrate, be sad, or await the result with my family.

Karl Hoffrey
Seattle

 

The election is pretty much all I can think about right now, but I’ve been doing my best to disconnect by watching horror movies all October. Somehow, that feels nice. This year, I’ll be home alone on election night while my wife is traveling in New York. I’m going to avoid watching the relentless updates from the 24 news networks. My plan is to spend at least an hour in a sensory deprivation float tank to let my mind wander.

Nicholas Shahan
Seattle

 

In the last couple of weeks, I have felt increasing anxiety about this election. I’m dealing with my anxiety by being more present with my kids and building a safety net by strengthening connections with friends and family. We are going to need each other if my election fears are realized. My plan for election day is to be home and watch the coverage with my husband and kids.

Cristina Cantor
Mukilteo

With additional reporting by Rob Smith.