Mental Well-Being in High-Stakes Elections: Addressing the Impact on Young Voters and Beyond

Yesterday, on election day, I noticed something different in my classroom. Many of my students—some voting for the first time—were unusually quiet and anxious. They seemed weighed down, as if the election’s outcome was deeply personal. While I couldn’t know exactly what they were feeling, it was clear they were affected, not only by the weight of making a meaningful choice but also by the constant stream of texts and updates about the election flooding their phones. This experience reminded me how high-stakes political events can impact mental well-being, especially in a winner-takes-all system where the stakes feel all-or-nothing. I am grateful to live in a democracy where we have a voice in leadership, and this article isn’t suggesting that elections are inherently problematic. Rather, it’s about being mindful of their impact on mental well-being, especially for young people navigating this process for the first time.

As a society, we need to consider the impact of elections on our collective mental well-being, particularly for young people forming their initial impressions of civic engagement. High-stakes political events don’t just affect individual voters; they influence how we relate to each other and view our role in society. For young voters especially, fostering a healthy perspective on participation is crucial. We want them to see the democratic process as meaningful and worth engaging in throughout their lives. Here’s a closer look at why elections, especially in competitive systems, are so emotionally charged and what we might do to mitigate their impacts on mental well-being.

Why Elections Are So Emotionally Disruptive

Our reactions to elections are shaped by deep-rooted psychological and neurological processes. When people feel strongly connected to one “side,” election outcomes can stir up strong social and emotional responses. These feelings are rooted in areas of the brain that process social identity, reward, and threat—mechanisms that evolved to help us belong to groups and navigate challenging situations. The emotional highs and lows of elections stem in part from these natural processes, which can be helpful in some contexts but overwhelming during major political events.

Several factors make elections particularly intense in a high-stakes, winner-takes-all structure, where the pressure to pick a side can feel absolute. These elements heighten the stakes, intensify emotions, and lead to elevated stress and anxiety during election cycles.

• Social Identity and Division: The pressure to pick a side in an election often makes the choice feel deeply personal. When political identity becomes central to self-image, it’s easy to see those on the other side as members of an opposing “team,” creating a natural divide. This “us vs. them” mentality taps into how our brains categorize people into groups. While this instinct is natural, it can intensify feelings of stress, frustration, and even isolation from those who belong to the “other side.”
• Pressure to Conform and Avoid Conflict: In high-stakes elections, voters may feel they’re forced to accept an entire platform in order to support their chosen candidate. This pressure can create internal conflict, as people feel they must make trade-offs on issues that matter to them. This mental struggle leaves individuals feeling drained and anxious, as they work to justify or defend their choice while grappling with the discomfort of compromise.
• Constant Exposure and High Stakes: Today’s technology, particularly smartphones and social media, makes it harder to escape election coverage. With an endless stream of notifications, reminders, and urgent messages on social media, young people especially may feel they’re in a constant state of “alert.” This immersion keeps emotions high, often leading to exhaustion and burnout. The sense that only one side “wins” can add to this anxiety, leaving supporters of the losing side feeling helpless, disillusioned, or even depressed.
• Heightened Reward and Loss Responses: Election season taps into people’s desire for significance or victory. For those whose side wins, there’s often a rush of excitement and satisfaction, as the outcome triggers a release of dopamine that fuels feelings of accomplishment and connection to a greater cause. But when things don’t go their way, the emotional letdown can feel sharp and discouraging. This rise and fall of emotions can be especially tough on young voters, who may be less prepared for the highs and lows that come with their first major election.

Evidence of Widespread Impact on Collective Well-Being

Research and observations consistently show that election cycles can lead to significant spikes in stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges, particularly during high-stakes elections. This data sheds light on the broader impact that elections have on society as a whole.

Data from the American Psychological Association (APA) reveals a clear increase in election-related stress: in 2016, 52% of adults reported the presidential election as a major source of stress, a figure that jumped to 68% in the 2020 election. This stress wasn’t limited to older adults; in 2020, 78% of young adults aged 18-29 reported high levels of anxiety about the election, indicating that political stress reaches across age groups, affecting both new and seasoned voters alike.

The term “election stress disorder” has emerged among mental health professionals to describe this unique form of stress. Many therapists report that their clients experience heightened anxiety and symptoms such as insomnia, irritability, and difficulty concentrating during election cycles. For some, this stress comes from feeling powerless over the outcomes of political decisions that they see as directly impacting their lives and futures. Dr. Steven Stosny, a psychologist who works with patients affected by political stress, notes that high-stakes elections with divisive rhetoric exacerbate anxiety and contribute to feelings of helplessness, making it difficult for people to manage day-to-day tasks.

The impact of election stress extends beyond individual experiences, affecting workplaces and social environments. Many organizations report declines in employee morale and productivity during election seasons, with some companies now offering resources like stress management workshops or social media breaks to help counteract what is commonly called “election fatigue.” This acknowledgment points to the broader societal nature of election stress, underscoring that it’s not simply a private concern but a collective challenge that affects shared spaces and relationships.

Strategies for Managing Election-Related Stress

Managing election-related stress requires practical steps that individuals and institutions alike can implement. For instance, today, the day after the election, I chose to hold my class online to give students the flexibility to attend remotely or watch a recording at their own pace. This small adjustment aims to provide students with some breathing room to process the results without the immediate pressure of in-person attendance. Flexibility like this can go a long way in easing the unique stress that often follows major elections.

Here are some additional strategies that can help manage the mental and emotional impact of election season:

• Set Boundaries with News and Social Media: Reducing exposure to constant election updates can alleviate feelings of anxiety. Taking scheduled breaks from news apps or limiting check-ins to specific times during the day helps ease the persistent sense of being on edge.
• Focus on What You Can Control: In high-stakes elections, it’s common to feel that many factors are beyond our influence. Focusing on meaningful actions within our control—such as voting, participating in local events, or engaging in respectful discussions—can foster a sense of empowerment and make the election process feel more constructive.
• Talk Openly About Your Feelings: Elections often bring out strong emotions, and sharing these feelings with friends, family, or in a supportive group setting can be incredibly relieving. Knowing that others are experiencing similar emotions creates a sense of community, helping to reduce stress and promote mutual support.

Toward a Healthier Political Climate

Our political process, especially in a high-stakes, winner-takes-all structure, can create intense emotional highs and lows that ripple through our society. These high-stakes events can leave people feeling isolated, anxious, and even helpless, especially when they feel their voices go unrepresented. For younger voters, experiencing this for the first time, the impact can be especially confusing and overwhelming. The current structure amplifies this emotional intensity, making each election feel like an all-or-nothing decision that affects not just political outcomes but also personal well-being.

Yet, by acknowledging the toll these events take on mental well-being, we can begin to develop a more supportive political climate. Addressing election stress means recognizing its collective impact—not just as an individual experience but as a societal issue. Just as we prepare for natural disasters or economic downturns, we can consider preventive approaches to protect mental health during election seasons. Whether through individual coping strategies, institutional resources, or broader discussions about electoral structures, we have the opportunity to build resilience in how we engage with democracy.

As we move forward, let’s prioritize mental well-being in our approach to politics, fostering environments where people can participate constructively and sustainably. Small, thoughtful actions—from educators offering flexibility around election times to social media platforms managing the flow of political content—can help ease the emotional toll elections take on everyone involved. By creating a culture of understanding and support, we can ensure that democracy remains not only a tool for representation but also a process that respects the mental well-being of its participants.

In particular, let’s remember to support the young people in our lives as they begin to navigate these experiences. We want them to feel positive about participating in the democratic process, learning valuable life skills, and developing a healthy perspective on civic engagement that will carry through their lives. By providing encouragement and empathy, we can help them build a foundation for lifelong, balanced involvement in democracy.

Call to Action

Educational Institutions: Schools, colleges, and universities can play a significant role in supporting students during election seasons. Institutions can:

• Provide Election-Related Counseling Resources: Offer access to mental health professionals who understand the unique stressors of election cycles. Organizing group sessions or workshops allows students to discuss their experiences in a supportive environment.
• Integrate Discussions on Election-Related Mental Health in Classes: Including conversations about election stress in relevant courses can normalize these experiences and equip students with tools to manage them.
• Encourage Faculty Flexibility Around Election Dates: Recommend that faculty avoid major exams and assignments right after election days and offer flexibility with attendance. This approach allows students the time and space to process significant events without immediate academic pressure.

Social Media Platforms: Social media companies play a powerful role in shaping the election experience and can help mitigate stress by managing the flow of political content. Platforms can:

• Implement Content Limiters: Allow users to set daily limits on political content, giving them control over their exposure during election periods. This feature could help reduce the mental fatigue that comes from nonstop election news.

• Provide Mental Health Reminders and Breaks: Introduce reminders that encourage users to take mental health breaks if they’ve been consuming high volumes of political content. Gentle prompts to “take a break” can help alleviate emotional exhaustion and encourage healthier engagement.
• Promote Balanced and Calming Content: Prioritize verified, balanced information to counter sensationalism. Additionally, offering calming or mental health resources alongside intense discussions can help users manage their emotional responses, promoting a healthier, more balanced experience.

By implementing these steps, educational institutions and social media platforms can create a more supportive environment for individuals navigating the emotional landscape of elections. A collective focus on mental health can empower everyone—especially young voters—to participate thoughtfully and sustainably in our democracy. Through a shared commitment to well-being, we can ensure that the democratic process remains inclusive, respectful, and mindful of the mental health impacts on our communities.

Author’s Note: This article was created through a collaborative process combining human expertise with generative artificial intelligence. The author provided the conceptual content and overall structure, while ChatGPT-4o assisted in refining readability and presentation.