Humans often struggle with uncertainty that feels beyond their control. The impending return of Donald Trump—a convicted criminal who attempted a coup—to the White House leaves many wondering about the future implications for the republic and the rule of law.
A fall report by the American Psychological Association reveals widespread concern among Americans over the 2024 general election. In a survey of over 3,000 U.S. adults, 7 in 10 identified the election as a major source of stress, with more than half fearing that its outcome could incite violence or signify a potential end to democracy in the U.S.
Iris Mauss, a psychology professor at UC Berkeley, highlights how uniquely stressful this election feels, noting the unsettling nature of existing in a reality that feels entirely different from how half of the country perceives things.
"There’s a stark divide between parties," she explains. "One side views Trump as a near-divine figure, while the other sees him as an immense threat. There’s virtually no overlap in these perceptions, which is profoundly unsettling,” Mauss added.
It’s no surprise, then, if you find yourself stumbling through Election Day, feeling drained, overwhelmed, or on edge. The stress leading up to the election doesn’t just vanish. You may still find yourself around coworkers or family members whose political views seem incomprehensible.
Psychologists, therapists, and researchers have identified signs to watch for in the days following the election and offer advice on handling these emotions:
Physical signs might include a heavy chest, stiffness, or soreness upon waking.
“Election-related stress is driven by uncertainty and the brain’s attempt to address the big ‘What happens next?’ question,” says Shannon Garcia, a psychotherapist from Illinois and Wisconsin. “Anxiety affects not just the mind but also manifests physically. This can lead to heaviness in the chest, sleep issues, or even digestive disturbances,” Garcia explained.
Simultaneously, feelings of relief may arise, regardless of your stance on the outcome, according to California-based trauma therapist Adriana Alejandre. She notes that physical soreness can follow as your body releases the weeks of tension it has been carrying.
Common physical responses can include headaches, jaw tension, stiffness in the shoulders, and stomach upset, Alejandre said.
Emotional tension is also typical after Election Day. Even minor setbacks might make you want to cry or yell. Studies show that election-related stress lowers one’s threshold for handling other stressors.
Shevaun Neupert, a psychology professor at NC State, co-authored a study that examined participants’ emotional responses before and after the 2016 presidential election. She found that people’s emotional sensitivity to everyday stresses increased after the election.
“In the days immediately following the election, people’s reactions to unrelated stressors were intensified,” she shared.
For instance, something like struggling to find a parking spot, which would typically be a mild annoyance, could feel like a breaking point during election week, Neupert explained.
Post-election sadness or anxiety may persist for weeks or months. Election cycles universally affect people, and research indicates that even voting itself raises cortisol levels. Therefore, a low mood may linger beyond polling day.
Noticeably feeling more down or anxious right now is typical after a polarizing election. In a study by University of Nevada, Reno economist Sankar Mukhopadhyay, symptoms of anxiety and depression lasted for up to three months following the 2020 election, as indicated in U.S. Census Bureau surveys.
“As long as the outcome remains uncertain, people are likely to stay anxious,” Mukhopadhyay told HuffPost. He compared it to waiting for a medical diagnosis. “Until you have definitive results, you naturally feel anxious about the possible outcomes,” he said.
His study noted that symptoms of depression and anxiety only eased after January 2021, aligning with post-election audits, the Jan. 6 insurrection, and Congress’s confirmation of Joe Biden’s presidency.
“For some, once uncertainty resolves, anxiety subsides,” Mukhopadhyay noted. “But for others, the process can take longer.”
It’s okay to let go of productivity, but don’t isolate yourself either. After such an intense election cycle, allow yourself to step back from performing at your peak.
Reflect on the parts of your week you enjoy most. Routine can be comforting. “Humans generally thrive on predictability,” Neupert shared. So if you’re taking a break, consider adding something soothing to your day, like a favorite workout or time with loved ones.
Mauss suggests activities like spending time with family or taking a hike. “Some may not want to be around others, and that’s perfectly fine, but the key is to take care of yourself in a way that feels right,” she noted.
If you feel overwhelmed, reach out. “Connecting with friends, family, or community members can make a difference,” said licensed psychologist Lisette Sanchez. “Check in with close ones, talk about the results if you need to, or just be together in solidarity. Sometimes, simply being with others, even without discussing the election, helps ground you.”
Accepting your difficult feelings can actually make you feel better and keep you motivated to work for change. Avoid feeling guilty for feeling bad—it actually worsens how you feel.
In a 2018 study involving 1,300 adults, researchers found that those who judged their emotions harshly experienced higher psychological stress. On the other hand, people who accepted their negative emotions tended to manage stress more effectively.
Mauss, a co-author of that study, noted that people often try to escape their “negative feelings.” Her team was inspired by mindfulness, which encourages embracing emotions rather than resisting them.
With mindfulness, “You let emotions be, recognizing that while they feel awful, they’re not harmful. Once we accept this, they immediately feel less intense.”
How do you practice emotional acceptance? Try visualizing your emotions as passing weather, Mauss suggests.
“Picture your emotions as a stream, a river, or clouds in the sky. You observe them without trying to change their direction,” she said. “This can help people find acceptance.”
Importantly, acceptance does not equate to resignation. “You can accept your feelings without accepting an unfavorable situation,” Mauss explained. “Often, this acceptance allows people to be more effective in taking action.”
She cited 2023 research showing that emotional acceptance allowed U.S. participants to feel better while staying active in political causes, such as volunteering or protesting.
Acceptance works because it keeps you engaged with the issue rather than distancing from it, unlike the emotional regulation strategy of reappraisal, where one attempts to rationalize the situation.
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