Election years can cause anxiety, depression

SANDUSKY — Is the presidential election year getting you down? You're not alone. A presidential election year can have an adverse effect on mental health, according to Karen Russell, site director at Firelands Counseling and Recovery Services. "Politics is a significant source of stress for many Americans," Russell said. Russell cited a 2019 American Psychological Association study, which listed the country's political climate as No. 3 in the top three sources of stress, behind only mass shootings and health care. Election years in particular cause elevated levels of anxiety of depression for a number of reasons, including someone worrying about which candidate is going to win and the long-term effects of the election. "In addition to anxiety and depression, we see other typical responses to the type of chronic stress that often accompanies elections such as reported increases in sadness and pessimism," she said. That's something that counselors see with their patients. "Our patients have experienced increases in anxiety, depressive symptoms for some, fear reactions and overall increased stress type responses," Russell said. "We saw this increase in the 2016 election and the 2020 election, with COVID-19 factored in the mix, is more stressful on our patients than what we have previously experienced. "The bigger the election, the more media coverage and the more extreme opinions have certainly increased what we are seeing with our patients," she said. This kind of stress can happen to anyone. "This is also not something that is divided among party lines," she said. "Stresses around the political climate are bipartisan." Russell said that people should monitor their symptoms and consider the intensity, frequency and duration of those symptoms because someone could meet the criteria for an anxiety disorder or depressive disorder. Talking about your struggles is important. "Talk about your concerns with someone that you can trust to allow you to share your opinion and will respect your opinion without imposing their own opinion," she said. "Do not give in to the urge to engage in behaviors such as overestimating the danger or threat or overreacting with excessive thought, worry or drastic behavioral changes." Limiting time on social media can also be helpful, Russell said. Russell noted that elections don't always have a negative impact on someone's mental health; it can sometimes be positive. "Becoming involved with or supporting a political platform or candidate can have a positive impact," she said. "For individuals that have experienced racism and discrimination, becoming politically active may increase overall resilience, according to a study involving the University of North Carolina, the University of Chicago and the University of Michigan." Russell added that the National Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health America provides information on candidates and their positions on issues like mental health and substance abuse.