Media Tip Sheets

How to Manage Your Stress During the 2024 Election

Thursday, October 24, 2024, By Ellen Mbuqe
The American Psychological Association (APA) just released their Stress in America poll that shows that Americans are stressed out and politics and the 2024 election were some of the top concerns.
According to the APA, More than 7 in 10 adults reported the future of our nation (77%) as a significant source of stress in their lives, making it the most common source of significant stress in this year’s survey. The economy was the second most common, with 73% of adults having reported it as a significant source of stress. The 2024 U.S. presidential election followed closely at 69%.
Syracuse University Psychology Professor Kevin Antshel offers four recommendations for managing stress and anxiety during the 2024 election season:
“Many people are feeling heightened anxiety and stress during the 2024 election season. Concerns from 2020 have persisted, and in my opinion, have been amplified by ongoing national and global events. In my own clinical practice, I often hear anxieties pertaining to global instability, erosions of civil rights and the impact of misinformation. All three of these anxieties are being intensified by the polarizing election season and, most concerningly to me, seem to be associated with increased feelings of helplessness,” said Professor Antshel
“To manage the increased stress, anxiety and helplessness that some may be experiencing in the 2024 election season, several of the following coping strategies may be beneficial to consider,” said Professor Antshel.
  1. “Focus on what you can control – the antidote to helplessness is taking action. Channel your energy into constructive activities that can provide a sense of accomplishment.
  2. Practice self-care – adequate sleep, regular physical activity and healthy eating habits are important for all of us, yet especially important during stressful times.
  3. Obtain adequate social support offline – online discussions can become flame wars and unproductive. Meaningfully connect with others offline daily. Set boundaries around news consumption and social media use.
  4. Stay grounded and keep your perspective – try to not allow dark feelings and events to take up all your mental space. Make room to see the good and experiences that give you hope and purpose.”
To schedule an interview, please contact Ellen James Mbuqe, executive director of media relations, at ejmbuqe@syr.edu.