The Campaign to Manage Election Anxiety

In this latest chapter of American history, we have seen extremely close elections that take time to confirm. Not knowing the results and living with an extended period of the unknown can increase anxiety. Furthermore, intense political polarization has made discussions about the election and competing visions for our country a complicated and frequently uncomfortable experience as much for families as for entire communities. To complicate matters further, misinformation and disinformation make finding accurate news a challenging enterprise.

In a recent poll from the American Psychiatric Association, more than 70% of Americans reported the upcoming election is causing them anxiety. Election anxiety can potentially harm relationships, foster confusion about what is taking place and generate distrust in the government and the electoral process itself.

To address the uncertainty, stress and conflict that contribute to election anxiety during the US election season, we, along with our partners at Civic Spirit, offer some constructive ideas you can apply to your life, family, school and community.