Depression After Election Season: Impacts On Mental Health And Stress

Medically reviewed by Paige Henry, LMSW, J.D.
Updated November 7, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team
Please be advised, the below article might mention trauma-related topics that include suicide, substance use, or abuse which could be triggering to the reader.
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Election season can be a trying time for many different reasons. Politics are often a divisive, controversial, and polarizing topic. The election season has a way of drawing people in and motivating them to become invested in the outcome they view as desirable. Some people truly wish for one candidate to defeat the other. When this doesn't happen, it can be very difficult to reconcile. It is at this point, when we experience an outcome that seems to directly contradict our identity and values, that people may be more susceptible to experiencing mental health challenges after the election season.

Getty/AleksandarNakic
An election loss can feel like a kick to our identity

How do I know if I am experiencing depression after election season?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Center of Health Statistics, 4.7% of American adults in the general population experience persistent feelings of depression. The American Psychiatric Association lists symptoms of major depressive disorder, which can include the following:

  • Sadness or sorrow
  • Fatigue or lack of energy
  • Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
  • Loss of interest in usual activities 
  • Hopelessness
  • Thoughts of death or suicide

If you are experiencing depressive symptoms that are impacting daily functioning, it may indicate the presence of major depressive disorder, which requires treatment. Consult with health care or mental health professionals to learn about treatment for major depressive disorder, which typically looks like psychotherapy and/or antidepressant medication.

What is anxiety?

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health condition in the United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that 11.7% of American adults in the general population experience recurring feelings of worry or anxiety.

Anxiety can be defined as the experience of tension, fearful thoughts and physical symptoms such as increased blood pressure, rapid heartbeat and gastrointestinal discomfort. When you feel anxious chronically, excessively, and it impacts daily functioning, it may be indicative of an anxiety disorder.

The cause of anxiety disorders is not entirely known, though the American Psychiatric Association states that it is likely a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Having a chronic medical condition or experiencing chronic pain is also shown to increase one’s risk of developing a mental health disorder.

Types of anxiety disorders including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, specific phobia, social anxiety disorder, and separation anxiety disorder.

Additional resources for people with mental health disorders and health professionals are available through the Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

A closer look at depression after election season

A poll published by the American Psychiatric Association in October 2020 found that 62% of American adults felt more anxious than this time last year. More than 60% noted that the impact of political issues on daily life was causing significant anxiety. The tense political climate has the potential to be even more harmful among adults with existing mental health disorders than the general public. In another 2020 survey, 68% of adults reported feeling stressed due to the US presidential election.

Increased levels of depression and anxiety after the election season is a very real phenomenon. There are many contributors to this manner of depression, and the media is one of them. Individuals who keep up with the news are aware of how the news can sensationalize stories and even stretch the truth from time to time. Different people often maintain various outlooks on the press and the accuracy of reports. Nevertheless, constant exposure to divisive, polarizing coverage can be very upsetting, especially during stressful times, for people with strong feelings about the results of an election.

Risk factors for mental health challenges after an election

Thoroughly understanding the risk factors associated with depression and anxiety after an election season is beneficial. It's already been established that more biased forms of media, especially during an election cycle, can play a role in exacerbating negative emotions. However, that's only the tip of the iceberg. 

Candidates themselves can also play a role in affecting stress and tension, which can lead to depression later on down the line. Candidates of all backgrounds and ideologies often deliver speeches, comments, ads, and other types of messages that are negative and meant to deride another faction’s values or identity pillars. Each candidate who runs for office wants to win, and they may stoop to low levels in order to do so.

Getty/AnnaStills

Another risk factor comes in the form of interacting with others who may hold contrasting views about a particular candidate. It's not uncommon for people to get into intense, often aimless arguments with one another over politics and candidates who are running for office at a particular time. Sadly, marriages, familial relationships, and lifelong friendships have sometimes reached an end due to disagreements over political ideologies.

During the election, it's not abnormal for people to become extremely invested in a candidate. Similar to affiliating with a particular sports team, we may come to see our identities as intricately intertwined with another person or group’s success.

Many individuals who support a candidate often donate money, attend rallies, and otherwise participate in campaigns for their desired candidate. It is very easy to become heavily emotionally invested without even realizing it. 

When a person does all of that only for their candidate to lose to an opponent, disappointment, anger, sadness, and depression can follow. Extreme emotional investment in politicians during election season can become very dangerous to a person's emotional health and even financial well-being.

Accepting the results of a disappointing election outcome

There is no doubt that managing anxiety and depression after the election season is challenging. Thankfully, the American Psychological Association has some helpful tips which people can engage in for the sake of their mental health and emotional wellness. Some of the following coping strategies will prove more effective for certain individuals than others, and that's okay. Each person has their own coping mechanisms and actions which best suit them. At the end of the day, what matters is working through any emotions that may be harming your relationships, ability to function, or overall health.

Reduce media exposure to lower stress

The role which the media plays in depression after the election season has already been established. Therefore, reducing your exposure to media is advisable if you are someone who is going through depression related to the election results. Even after one candidate has won, consuming news tends to involve coverage of the victory, thoughts about the victory, the concession statement from the candidate who lost, etc. Constant exposure to this type of energy can worsen depression. Depending on a person's line of work, it may not be possible to cut off all exposure to the media. However, taking a moment to cut back in any way possible and taking breaks while ensuring you still stay informed has been proven to serve as beneficial.

Avoid politically charged conversations as a source of stress

Many people believe that politics and religion are two subject matters which should be avoided when possible. If you are still emotionally processing the results of an election, it can help to set aside specific times for discussing politics and steer clear of such conversations otherwise. A conversation like this can get messy quickly; furthermore, politics and candidates who are running for office sometimes have a way of bringing out the worst in people. Sometimes, the most agreeable and mild-mannered individuals can become angry or confrontational when it comes to political matters and candidates with whom they align. Sometimes, it's better to just play it safe and avoid these talks altogether.

Redirect your focus to manage anxiety

According to life coach Tony Robbins, “energy flows where attention goes.” For this reason, focusing on things which bring joy into your life is another great way of overcoming depression after the election season. While it can be argued that everything in our life has some political dimension, try looking at things through a different lens for the time being. Spend time in nature, enjoying the changing leaves, or take a vacation to clear your mind. One of the best ways to overcome depression after an election season is to be so busy with other matters that you don't have the bandwidth to focus on political candidates and election results.

Get involved with your community to support your mental health

Healing from a blow due to the results of an election can be truly daunting. For many people who are truly invested in the well-being of their community, ignoring the news or avoiding political discussion can feel irresponsible or in violation of one’s moral compass. Try channeling your energy into a positive cause and holding yourself and others accountable. Regardless of where you stand politically, there are groups, volunteer organizations, and other ways in which you can get involved with your community. Surrounding yourself with other like-minded individuals and encouraging others to vote or create a voting plan can also help boost your mental and emotional health. In many cases, election losses can illuminate ways for you to improve your thinking or community-building strategy moving forward.

Use social media proactively

Social media can be very tricky after an election season. Individuals of all political affiliations have a tendency to brag or post videos, status updates, and other content which pokes fun at the side whose candidate did not win. This, too, can worsen anxiety and depression. For this reason, muting, unfollowing, or even blocking certain accounts or pages may be in your best interest. Social media has many benefits, but when used irresponsibly, it can also serve as a trigger for negative emotions that contribute to larger mental health conditions. Be vigilant and make sure that you're only absorbing content which is beneficial for your mental health.

Finding the source of stress and taking care of yourself

Regardless of how the election turned out, you and your mental health are extremely important. Politics will always be around, but you need to protect your mental health and well-being. There will always be new races, new candidates, and new politicians. However, there is only one you.

The impacts of clinical depression are very dangerous, and this is information that people need to be aware of.  When depression goes untreated and unresolved, that can open individuals up to a plethora of other mental, emotional, and even physical . Sleep complications, damage to interpersonal relationships, and a decline in general wellness are common for people with mental health disorders. Severe depression and anxiety can impede someone's ability to successfully function in their day-to-day lives, which is why it’s crucial to prioritize sleep.

Coping with depression after election season

Individuals with major depressive disorder may turn to substance use as a way to self-medicate their symptoms. However, substance use only exacerbates symptoms of depression and anxiety, leading to a vicious cycle. If you are experiencing concerns around mental health symptoms or substance use, it is crucial to seek the appropriate support. For additional resources, visit SAMHSA’s website through the U.S Department of Health and Human Services.

As you can imagine, depression and anxiety, whether after an election season or under any other circumstances, is nothing to underestimate. Taking the proper steps to keep yourself healthy and functional matters greatly.

Getty/Tom Werner
An election loss can feel like a kick to our identity

You don't have to solve things on your own

If you are still struggling with depression even after following the suggestions listed above, then you may benefit from working with a professional therapist. Therapists can make a difference in providing guidance, which is specifically tailored to you and your needs as an individual. Different things work for different people. You may also find out that depression after an election season is indicative of another underlying issue. If this turns out to be the case, then working with a therapist can certainly make a difference in your life.

At BetterHelp, we have an empathetic and highly qualified team of therapists who can work with you. You can reach out when it's convenient for you and connect with one of thousands of therapists at times that work for you. As long as you have a safe internet connection, you can choose a meeting location conducive for your needs. Another benefit of using BetterHelp is that you can receive a notification of a therapist match as soon as 48 hours after taking the initial questionnaire. Finding a face-to-face counselor is often a more time-consuming process, and in the days and weeks after a disappointing election, it may be critical to attain support more efficiently.

If you’re someone who is consistently invested in political discourse and outcomes, then facts and credibility likely mean a lot to you. Research continues to affirm the efficacy of online therapy in treating mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. In one recent systematic literature review of internet-based interventions for depression and anxiety, researchers concluded that online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) was effective in reducing symptomatology for both depression and anxiety.

Takeaway

If you’re experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety related to election results, you have nothing to feel ashamed of; however, finding peace and healthy ways to move forward with your life is important. Sometimes, we can do that by reframing our thoughts or spending time with people who bring us joy. Other times, we can have more difficulty establishing closure or even accepting the truth. An online therapist is a nonjudgmental and caring person who you can talk to in order to process lingering emotions or upsetting thoughts. Take the first step today in winning your life back by signing up to get started with BetterHelp.
Depression is treatable, and you're not alone
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