### Election Anxiety Grips Americans Ahead of 2024 Presidential Race

The upcoming 2024 presidential election is casting a wide net of anxiety across the United States, with a recent poll revealing that over 60% of Americans feel their mental health has been impacted by the looming November ballot. The survey, conducted by Forbes Health, highlighted that nearly half of the respondents are grappling with feelings of anxiety, 37% are stressed, and 31% are experiencing fear.

The poll underscores a generational divide, with younger Americans particularly affected. Gen Z (66%), millennials (64%), and Gen X (63%) report that the election has had at least a slight negative impact on their mental health. In contrast, 56% of baby boomers shared the same sentiment. While anxiety, stress, and fear dominate the emotional landscape, not all respondents are pessimistic. Around 27% of participants feel optimistic, 22% are excited, 16% are happy, and 12% even experience a sense of relief about the 2024 race.

Gender differences emerge in the emotional responses, with men more likely to express excitement (27%) and optimism (32%) compared to women, who report higher levels of anxiety, stress, and fear. The survey further reveals that this political tension is not confined to internal anxieties but extends into everyday life, particularly affecting productivity. About 28% of respondents feel their performance at work or school has been negatively impacted by election-related stress.

The effect on work and school performance is more pronounced among younger generations. Over half of Gen Z (53%) and 42% of millennials report a decline in their productivity, compared to only 24% of Gen X and just 10% of baby boomers. Dr. Rufus Tony Spann, a certified school psychologist and licensed professional counselor, notes that election-related anxiety is a natural reaction to the weight of the decisions voters must make. Dr. Spann also suggests that past election results may contribute to current anxieties, causing some communities to brace for potential backlash.

Americans are employing various strategies to manage their election anxiety. Approximately 44% are avoiding the news, 35% are engaging in conversations with friends and family, and 29% are staying off social media. However, these discussions can sometimes increase anxiety, particularly during the holiday season when political debates can intensify.

Social media also plays a significant role in the dissemination of political content, contributing to the overwhelming emotions felt by many. News publications, YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram are noted as major sources of political overwhelm. Notably, 40% of respondents do not feel overwhelmed by any particular media platform, but 26% have reduced their social media usage, and 6% have stopped using it altogether in anticipation of the election.

Opinions on the influence of social media on the democratic process are divided. Forty percent of survey participants think it harms the democratic process, whereas 29% believe it has some positive impact on voters. Younger generations, especially Gen Z (45%) and millennials (36%), are more likely to see social media as beneficial, while baby boomers (51%) and Gen X (41%) view it more negatively.

Dr. Spann advises those feeling overwhelmed to step away from political content to gain clarity. He emphasizes the importance of empowerment through voting, becoming knowledgeable about candidates, and making informed decisions. Ensuring mental well-being, he suggests, is crucial in navigating the stress of the election season.

This online survey, conducted by market research company Talker Research for Forbes Health, sampled 2,000 U.S. adults from September 4 to September 6, 2024, and has a margin of error of ± 2.2 points with 95% confidence.