Psychiatrists Offer Ways to Cope With Election Stress

On November 1, with Election Day set for Tuesday, mental health experts offered ways to handle the tension and exhaustion some voters experience during election season. A psychiatry professor at the University of California, San Francisco, also discussed strategies for election anxiety and burnout in a television interview. A Wayne State University psychiatrist said relentless headlines, campaign advertising and political uncertainty can weigh on people’s mental health.

The American Psychological Association found that 69% of U.S. adults said the 2024 presidential election had been a significant source of stress. One Michigan voter described campaign messages and calls arriving repeatedly, and said the current season felt especially intense.

The Wayne State psychiatrist said fear can dominate attention when people believe they face a threat. He advised reducing exposure to political content where possible, and channeling difficult emotions into constructive activity, such as volunteering, political engagement or charitable work.

He also recommended preserving everyday routines, including exercise and time with family, and making space for conversations that recognize people beyond their political views. Voters may not be able to determine the election’s outcome, he said, but can take steps to care for their mental health.