The Impact of an Election Year on Women’s Mental Health

Election years can be a time of heightened emotions, stress, and uncertainty. For many women, the impact of the political climate during these periods can be particularly profound, affecting mental health in both visible and subtle ways. The stakes often feel higher as issues central to women’s lives—like healthcare, reproductive rights, gender equality, and family policies—are debated on the national stage. This can lead to increased anxiety, fear, and frustration, as well as a sense of overwhelm about the future.

Increased Anxiety and Stress

The media coverage of elections is relentless. Constant exposure to news cycles, debates, and discussions on issues that directly affect women can lead to anxiety, particularly for those who feel personally impacted by political decisions. The uncertainty of election outcomes and what they might mean for women’s rights, healthcare access, and equality can make many feel powerless and worried about the future.

For women already managing personal stressors—like balancing work, family, or financial concerns—election-year pressures can feel overwhelming. In some cases, this heightened stress can manifest as physical symptoms like headaches, trouble sleeping, and fatigue, further compounding the emotional toll.

Impact on Marginalized Women

Women from marginalized communities—whether due to race, sexuality, socioeconomic status, or immigration status—often feel the effects of election years more intensely. Policies being debated can directly impact their access to essential services or even their safety. For example, immigrant women or those from underprivileged communities may feel targeted by certain political rhetoric, exacerbating feelings of fear, insecurity, and isolation.

These women may also struggle with a sense of invisibility or lack of representation, where their voices and concerns are often overlooked or dismissed in political discourse. This can lead to hopelessness and despair, especially if they feel like the system is stacked against them.

The Burden of Advocacy

For many women, election years come with an added sense of responsibility to advocate for change. Whether through protests, online activism, or simply conversations with friends and family, there’s often an emotional toll that comes with standing up for one’s beliefs. The pressure to stay informed, speak out, and fight for women’s rights can lead to burnout, particularly when progress feels slow or met with resistance.

This burden is even heavier for women actively engaged in advocacy work, whether professionally or personally. The need to fight for basic rights, like healthcare access or reproductive freedom, can feel exhausting. Women can feel pressure to keep going, even when the emotional toll becomes overwhelming.

Social Media and Online Discourse

The rise of social media has made political discourse more pervasive, with platforms like X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram being battlegrounds for debates, misinformation, and polarizing opinions. For women, social media can often be a double-edged sword. While it offers a space to express opinions and engage in advocacy, it can also be a source of additional stress.

Toxic comments, personal attacks, and witnessing the divisiveness of political discourse online can lead to increased feelings of anger, frustration, or hopelessness. The pressure to stay engaged online, coupled with the emotional impact of witnessing polarizing views, can make women feel more isolated and disconnected.

Reproductive Rights and Healthcare

One of the most emotionally charged issues during election years is reproductive rights. Women’s control over their own bodies and healthcare decisions often comes under intense scrutiny, with political candidates staking out their positions on issues like abortion, contraception, and maternity care.

For many women, the uncertainty around access to reproductive healthcare can trigger significant stress, especially in states where laws may be in flux. The personal nature of these decisions and the possibility of losing rights that impact their autonomy can leave many women feeling vulnerable and anxious.

Beyond reproductive rights, access to affordable healthcare is another area where election outcomes can impact women, particularly those who are pregnant, aging, or managing chronic health conditions. They may feel anxious about changes to healthcare policies that could affect their access to critical care.

Coping Strategies for Election-Year Stress

With all the stressors that an election year brings, women must develop strategies to protect their mental health. Here are some ways to cope:

• Limit News Consumption: While staying informed is important, constantly consuming election-related news can be overwhelming. Setting boundaries around media consumption—such as checking the news only once or twice a day—can help reduce anxiety.

• Engage in Self-Care: Whether through exercise, meditation, or hobbies, dedicating time to self-care can help alleviate stress. Taking breaks from social media and the news, and focusing on activities that bring joy and relaxation, is essential.

• Connect with Others: Isolation can make stress feel even heavier. Talking to friends, family, or support groups about feelings and frustrations can provide relief and help women feel less alone.

• Seek Professional Support: For women experiencing significant distress, anxiety, or depression, reaching out to a therapist can be incredibly beneficial. Therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or Internal Family Systems (IFS) can help women process their emotions and develop coping strategies.

The Importance of Empowerment

While election years can bring feelings of uncertainty and stress, they can also offer an opportunity for empowerment. By participating in the political process—whether through voting, volunteering, or advocating for issues that matter—women can channel their concerns into action. Taking part in local or national politics can offer a sense of control and empowerment, even in times of uncertainty.

Election years are a challenging time for many women, but understanding the potential impacts on mental health and developing strategies to cope can help mitigate these stresses. By staying grounded and finding manageable ways to engage, women can protect their well-being while remaining active in the political process.