Your guide to coping with election anxiety

Election anxiety can affect even people who are not usually anxious, and experts say it is not always based on exaggerated fears: concerns may reflect real threats to people’s safety, rights and everyday lives. With about 30 per cent of American voters identifying the political situation as their biggest source of stress, mental health specialists say it can help to name and understand the specific issues driving that distress.

The article advises identifying the three issues causing the most concern, such as reproductive rights, the economy, immigration or overseas conflict, and discussing them with trusted people or a mental health professional. It also recommends reflecting on why an issue exists and how it connects to personal fears, which may make it feel less uncertain and frightening without minimising the problem. The article was updated for the 2026 midterm elections.