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LifeStance Survey Finds 79% of Americans Are Experiencing Anxiety Over the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election
Election stress is contributing to an increase in anxiety and strained relationships, reinforcing the importance of accessible mental healthcare SCOTTSDALE,
About this update from Lifestance Health Group, Inc.
[{"type":"text","content":"Election stress is contributing to an increase in anxiety and strained relationships, reinforcing the importance of accessible mental healthcare \nSCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Oct. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A LifeStance Health survey released today reveals how widespread election-related anxiety is impacting Americans' mental health, straining their personal relationships and prompting many to limit social media exposure.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \nNearly four out of five (79%) respondents said the upcoming U.S. presidential election has caused them anxiety this year. Key generational differences were evident, with younger individuals more likely to experience moderate to significant election-related anxiety. Additionally, nearly two-thirds (60%) of respondents who are currently in therapy say they have discussed politics or the election with their clinician during sessions.\nThese findings underscore the ongoing need for high-quality, accessible mental healthcare, as therapy plays a critical role in helping people effectively navigate election-related anxiety, develop healthy coping techniques and maintain their overall mental well-being during times of stress. For tips on how to cope with election-related anxiety, visit LifeStance's blog.\nKey findings from LifeStance's survey, \"The 2024 Election Cycle's Impact on Mental Health & Relationships,\" include:\nThe U.S. presidential election is a significant source of stress and anxiety for Americans, especially among younger generations. \nThe vast majority (79%) of respondents said the upcoming presidential election has caused them some degree of anxiety this year, with 21% saying it has caused them significant anxiety.Younger generations are the most likely to have experienced \"moderate\" to \"significant\" election-related anxiety, including 64% of Generation Z and 54% of millennials, as compared with 47% of Generation X and 52% of baby boomers.More than half (57%) of respondents think about the election daily, including nearly one-third (31%) who said they think about it multiple times per day.Forty-four percent of Gen Z have even postponed major life events such as moving, going to college, getting married or having children due to anxiety about the political climate.Therapy plays a crucial role in helping people process external stressors like politics. In fact, nearly two-thirds (60%)...