COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The 2024 election cycle has come with non-stop developments, but also a lot of negative rhetoric, which is leaving mental health experts concerned.
“Negativity can breed things like bad mental health, anxiety, fear about what's going to happen,” Executive Director of the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation Tony Coder said. “And that really can then lead into things like suicide and other, you know, other mental health concerns.”
“I do think we're getting so much information and we're getting so emotionally engaged that it's unhealthy,” voter Susan Rieser said.
Rieser has been voting for nearly 50 years and she said this year, things feel different.
“Because we are having people who are working to pit against each other,” she said. “So, what we're doing is we're fomenting fear instead of collaboration.”
“When all you're hearing about is not what someone's platform is on an issue, but instead how bad each person is. All of these negative ads, it can really be overwhelming,” Coder said. “Like, ‘Oh my gosh, if this person gets elected, then this is going to happen and you know, bad things will happen to the country.’”
Other voters agreed that things feel more negative now. According to the American Psychological Association, 43% of adults said they feel more anxious than they did in 2023 and 73% of adults said they are particularly worried about the election.
Coder said those are not just statistics, but a reality, as people have already started reaching out for help.
“On both sides of the aisle,” he said. “Both sides are very nervous about what is going to happen if their candidate does not get elected.”
Coder said the feeling is that elections have gotten more negative and more divisive, and not only can it be overwhelming, but also spill into people’s personal lives.
“We've seen politics split up families, split up relationships, everything,” Coder said. “Make sure that we understand that, you know, the people who really mean a lot in our lives are more than just their political belief.”
So, if you are feeling the pressure, Coder said it is never too soon to ask for help.
“Any time that you feel stressed, it's better to address it earlier than to wait until it gets to a real crisis point for you,” he said.
He says you can look for signs in yourself, or those around you like increased irritability, lack of sleep, skipping out on work or school, or being less present and engaged. He said there are also more severe signs to pay attention to.
“If they're talking about ‘I have no hope,’ or ‘It's just not worth it anymore,’ really be concerned about those signs and make sure you reach out. Make sure that you have that conversation,” Coder said. “Take those signs really, really seriously so that we can make sure that everybody has a good outlet.”
Coder said it is not always an easy conversation to broach but can be lifesaving.
“It's the hardest conversation you'll have, but it's also the most valuable conversation you'll have. If you know that you can save a life, no matter how hard the conversation, it will be worth it,” he said. “Something as simple as saying, ‘Hey, how are you doing?’ Could be a lifesaving conversation. You don't have to be a counselor, you don't have to be a therapist, just someone who cares. And that's the most important part.”
Coder said if you are feeling worried or anxious about the election, you should use that energy to do something positive, make sure you are getting enough sleep and try to disconnect from things like social media, especially before bed.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline available 24/7. To reach the 24/7 Crisis Text Helpline, text 4HOPE to 741741.
