How to Reframe Voting and Elections for Your Mental Health

Are elections only about winning or are they about building a livable, healthy society?

Election season can create emotions spanning from immense anxiety all the way to extreme apathy. The public arguing, divisiveness, and competition for votes, including political gaslighting, can be overwhelming and exhausting. Feeling the need to distance yourself may seem like the only option. Avoiding colleagues, friends, and family so you don’t have to discuss politics may be a way of coping. But engaging in mentally healthy conversations about elections, voting, the needs of your communities, and civic engagement can make you feel less overwhelmed.

Research studies reveal that perceptions of political polarization may lead to the onset of mental health issues, sleep disorders, anxiety, and depression. These studies show that even election campaign ads may increase stress in viewers, regardless of party affiliation, or whether the ads were from local or federal campaigns.

Winning vs. Developing

Elections are an opportunity for voters to choose the people who can best serve the needs of their communities and countries. So why are elections reduced to a battle over winning and harming others? When did having a win become more important than making sure that every person has the best chance at a livable society with functioning services that meet their needs? Focusing on winning may produce a dopamine surge and other temporary euphoric feelings, but those feelings end, and the body and brain are left with the consequences. A more doable option is engaging in supportive conversations that help determine who is most likely, based on their civic contributions, to make the best decisions.

Politicians Are Public Servants

Politicians were and are intended to be representatives when each person themselves cannot serve in a public role. Representatives mean they literally represent what the people want, not their personal self-interest and not running in elections to gain power. The key word is "servant," to serve the needs of their communities. The vote is intended to determine which of these public servants, along with their appropriate skills and knowledge of local, state, and federal government, can make intentional decisions that will have the best outcomes for a healthy, livable society.

Voting Is Not a Competition

Voting is intended to be a selection process where leading up to an election, each voter examines their needs, and what they understand will help their neighborhoods and communities thrive without harming or depriving other communities. Building a working-together practice helps clarify where needs are and makes sure the country as a whole is better equipped to serve and support all its people.

Election season can be an engaging opportunity to share your voice through your vote and make your thoughts and needs known, as well as those of your neighbors and your community. Think of voting as an opportunity to voice your concerns and your suggestions on ways that your local, state, and federal governments can improve and serve. Use these insights to reframe how you look at elections and voting for the sake of your mental health and wellness. It’s your contribution to creating a healthier community.