As we approach another crazy election in the U.S., tension hangs in the air. We all seem to have “Election Stress Disorder” (ESD), first coined in 2016. More Americans report election-related anxiety than ever before. We must ask ourselves: how can we address the root causes of this collective anxiety and work towards a healthier democracy?
The amplification of fear and division by media, leaders, and even our own social circles has created a perfect storm of political anxiety. According to a recent survey by the American Psychological Association, 68% of American adults consider the upcoming election a significant source of stress in their lives – a stark increase from 52% in 2016. This trend is particularly pronounced among Black adults, with election-related stress jumping from 46% in 2016 to 71% in 2020.
As a co-founder of MoveOn.org, I’ve witnessed firsthand the power of citizen engagement during pivotal moments. From our 1998 petition calling for the end of a politicized impeachment process, to the global anti-war efforts of 2003, to the grassroots movement that helped elect Barack Obama in 2008, I’ve seen how deeply citizens care and how impactful their collective action can be.
However, the current political climate has led many to feel hopeless and helpless. “Politically Clinically Depressed” is another new term that has resonance here. This sense of powerlessness is not just detrimental to our mental health; it’s a threat to the very foundation of our democracy.
The good news is that we have the power to change this narrative. By working to build trust in our democratic processes and in each other, we can reduce the likelihood of election-related violence and pave the way for a healthier civic culture. One meaningful contribution to this effort is the Trustworthy Elections report released by Braver Angels. After two years of engaging Democrats and Republicans in consensus-building, they distilled hundreds of points of agreement based on three key principles:
1. “Voting should be easy. Cheating should be hard.”
2. “Every citizen should have an equal say in who will govern them; this is done through free and fair elections.”
3. “The American government will fail if candidates refuse to accept any outcome other than victory.”
These principles reveal a solid foundation for bipartisan efforts to strengthen our electoral system and rebuild trust.
However, we’ve increasingly sorted ourselves into ideologically homogeneous groups, creating echo chambers that reinforce our existing beliefs and demonize those who think differently. This polarization has led to a dangerous cycle of contempt and mistrust. To break this cycle, we must actively seek out diverse perspectives and engage in respectful dialogue with people who hold different views. Organizations like Living Room Conversations, which I co-founded in 2010, offer structured guides for these challenging but necessary discussions. Trust in Elections being a top focus this year. This is an aspirational conversation that allows us to recognize key values we share and inspires local engagement. Elections are local and people have local power….and responsibility.
This work isn’t easy, but it’s essential. By recognizing our shared values and common humanity, we can become more tolerant and gain a deeper appreciation for the nuances of our complex challenges. Both fighting for more freedom and fighting for more justice are admirable goals as is working for a healthy planet and a healthy economy. When the people championing these kinds of efforts find themselves at odds, they can choose to engage in ways that honor everyones’ dignity. Leading with respect for all can help us navigate tensions around how to best meet essential needs and achieve the kind of society where people thrive.
It’s crucial to acknowledge that our media landscape, often driven by AI algorithms designed to tap into our fears and anger, exaggerates our division. Many leaders and institutions exploit these fault lines for their own gain. Recognizing these forces at play is the first step in resisting their influence.
As we navigate this challenging terrain, it’s important to take care of our mental health. The symptoms of Election Stress Disorder – from obsessive news consumption to irritability and sleep disruption – are real. We need to take care of ourselves. However, we must recognize that our collective mental health is intrinsically linked to the health of our democracy. As Robert Putnam’s research shows, societies with high levels of trust tend to be happier and healthier. By actively working to build connections across divides and engage in our democratic processes, we not only strengthen our nation but also nurture our own well-being.
The path forward requires courage, empathy, and a willingness to step outside our comfort zones. It demands that we resist the temptation to view our fellow citizens as enemies and instead see them as partners in the ongoing project of democracy. It asks us to believe in the power of civic engagement and collective action, even when the challenges seem insurmountable.
As we approach this election, let’s commit not just to managing our own stress, but to actively working towards a more resilient and trustworthy democratic system. Let’s engage in difficult conversations, volunteer in our communities, and participate in the electoral process with both passion and respect for those who disagree with us. And let’s hold to this commitment after the election as well.
The future of our democracy depends not on the outcome of any single election, but on our collective ability to maintain faith in the process and in each other. By reclaiming our sense of agency and shared purpose, we can not only treat our political anxiety but also build a stronger, more vibrant democracy for generations to come.
In the words of Steven Stosny, a therapist who has studied election-related stress: “In your current distress is born your future growth, connection, purpose and hope.” Let’s embrace this challenge and transform our political anxiety into a catalyst for positive change. Our democracy – and our collective well-being – depend on it.