By Dr. Michelle Connor Harris & Mark Sanders
St. Raphael Counseling, a ministry of Catholic Charities of Denver
In just a few short weeks, Americans will have the chance to vote for our nation’s next president. But does this feel like a dignified moment, brimming with the hope of a brighter future? Or does it resemble more of a dramatic “reality” TV show, where we’re all stranded on an island, battling for survival and dealing with relentless challenges?
If you’re feeling a sense of dread as the election approaches, you’re not alone. The barrage of attack ads, fiery soundbites and relentless punditry can take a toll on our well-being. Studies show that presidential elections can negatively affect both our physical and mental health. According to a 2020 survey by the American Psychological Association, 68% of Americans cited the presidential election as a significant source of stress—an increase from the 2016 election. In fact, anxiety levels around the 2020 election were even higher than during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic!
This surge in anxiety is often understandable, as media outlets often use fear to grab our attention, stirring up anger and stress, which can have harmful effects on our health. We are beginning to recognize that much of what passes as “news” is designed to keep us hooked—and upset—to boost ratings and revenue.
So, how do we step back from this overwhelming situation?
First, it’s important to gain perspective. Our country has faced numerous challenges throughout its history, including a civil war that nearly tore the nation apart. Yet, we emerged stronger on the other side. As General James Mattis remarked in a 2017 interview:
“Especially if you study history, you realize that our country has been through worse, and here’s how they’ve found their way through that. Here’s what leaders did, here’s what educators did, here’s what business people did, here’s what soldiers did, here’s what politicians did, and you can sometimes see, by weaving together that tapestry, how to go forward.”
We, too, will navigate this election season and its aftermath just as previous generations have. We must ask ourselves how we want to move forward: with anger and increased stress or with the intention of being the best spouse, parent, child and neighbor we can be.
As Catholic Christians, our hope and faith rest in the triune God–Father, Son and Holy Spirit—not in human leaders or governments. We trust in God’s plan and strive to follow his will within our own spheres of influence. It’s vital to engage thoughtfully as citizens and exercise our right to vote while remembering that we are all part of one nation. Jesus commanded us to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mk 12:31), including those who belong to different political parties or support other candidates. The idea of America is greater than any one party or person, and we should pray for the grace to contribute to our democracy with love for our fellow citizens.
So, what steps can we take? Here are a few suggestions:
- Stay informed, but limit your consumption of news. While these times are historically significant, consuming too much media–especially analyses, press conferences and rally footage–can heighten anxiety.
- Diversify your news sources. In today’s polarized environment, many of us are trapped in “echo chambers” where we only hear viewpoints that align with our own. Consider occasionally exploring perspectives from other sides or seeking out more neutral reporting.
- If you find yourself getting overwhelmed, take a break from the news–whether for a day, a few days or even a week. During these breaks, focus on self-care: ensure you’re getting enough sleep, eating well and exercising. And avoid reading election news in bed, either at night or first thing in the morning, as this can negatively impact your mood.
At St. Raphael Counseling, a ministry of Catholic Charities of Denver and the largest Catholic therapy practice in the country, we’ve had many conversations with clients in recent years about keeping God at the center of our lives amid global uncertainty. The phrase “Let Go, Let God” is more than a bumper sticker–it’s a call to trust that God is in control, even when the world feels out of control. Moments like these offer us an opportunity to grow in faith, recognizing that we have little control over the issues that dominate public discourse.
As November 5 quickly approaches, stay informed, support your preferred candidates and plan your election night events–but strive to find a balance that keeps you from feeling overwhelmed.