Feeling anxious about politics? Doom-scrolling after the kids go to bed? Obsessively checking news websites—or trying to avoid them entirely? You’re not alone.
For many of us, politics can be a source of chronic stress—stress that’s significantly amplified during highly charged election years like this one. As Moms, we know that the outcome of this election will have significant repercussions for climate, air pollution, and our children’s futures. A September 2023 report by the Pew Research Center found that majorities of respondents felt “always” or “often” exhausted (65%) and angry (55%) about politics; only 10% felt consistently hopeful. Other research has found that politics is taking a measurable and alarming toll on public health, with political worry associated with heightened stress, loss of sleep, ruminative thoughts, and troublingly, even suicidal ideation.
People who are more politically engaged, left-leaning, and younger tend to have higher levels of political anxiety, according to a 2022 study. But with so much at stake for the future, parents may feel the stress of politics in unique ways too. A survey of parents conducted after the 2016 election found concerns about national security and the environment—both issues tied closely to the sociopolitical climate and election outcomes—ranking among parents’ biggest worries for their children. Many of us are afraid of what the future may look like for the people we love the most, and elections can bring these fears to the forefront in unsettling ways.
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How the Moms team is experiencing election anxiety
I spoke with my colleagues at Moms Clean Air Force and our Latino engagement program, EcoMadres, about how they’re experiencing election anxiety and heard a range of themes. Mary Wagner, our Nevada Field Organizer, shared: “This is my first time voting, and the pressure is real when you take your responsibility of voting seriously and understand the impact your vote and voice will have on the future of our country.”
And Stephanie Reese, our Director of DEIJ and Strategic Implementation, admitted that it’s very difficult to cope with the current political climate: “It felt/feels like there was/is a lot of racial tension between parties, particularly now, and that’s incredibly overwhelming. One of my biggest stressors is in thinking about what this means for my sons.”
And how we’re coping
I’ll admit that I’ve been struggling with election anxiety myself. For me, coping with election anxiety looks like doing as much as I can to stay politically engaged while also taking intentional breaks—I’ve been stress-baking, reading escapist fiction, and spending as much time as possible outside with my kids.
Here’s how others on the Moms Clean Air Force and EcoMadres team are navigating election anxiety right now:
Chelsea Lyons, North Carolina Field Organizer: “I have a lot of anxiety about the election because I am in a swing state, and being pregnant raises further concerns. That being said, I do LOTS of breath work. I try to get outside to walk and to perform breath work to calm my nervous system. I also remind myself that I am putting in the work to try and create a better future for my kids. This brings me peace, knowing I am doing what I can, while making sure I try to take care of my mental health.”
Ylenia Aguilar, Southwest Field Organizer: “Leading up to Election Day, I’m fully committed to supporting candidates who align with my values. I do this by volunteering and discussing the importance of voting with friends, family, and neighbors.”
Kindra Weid, Electric School Bus Outreach Coordinator: “Here is what I am doing to limit my election anxiety: advocating how I am able; being mentally prepared to state why I am endorsing my chosen candidates (I have a quick 1 to 2 sentences memorized that I can share if I’m comfortable); limiting news intake; getting outdoors daily and enjoying the changing season; avoiding most TV.”
Stephanie Reese, Director of DEIJ and Strategic Implementation: “I have been more intentional about unplugging from watching the news, or just TV in general. Being out and about, particularly in public places, actually heightens my anxiety, so I tend to read or relax more on the deck, or paint, or play the piano indoors as a way to cope. My children are also coping with this election anxiety, by educating themselves (a little). They are asking questions, seeking to understand the different perspectives that they’re hearing on the news, and trying to understand more of the background and why it’s important to vote.”
Emily Pickett, Editorial and Member Cultivation Consultant: “I remind myself that even if the candidate I don’t support wins, everything will be OK. It’s easy to feel like the stakes in this election are life or death, and in some cases, that may be true. But worrying about what could happen in the future isn’t healthy, so I try to stay grounded in the present while cautiously optimistic that the next four years will be peaceful, positive, and productive for everyone in the U.S. no matter who is in office.”
Mary Wagner, Nevada Field Organizer: “Whenever something makes me feel anxious about the elections, I remind myself that I want to be on the right side of history and fact-checking everything before getting to conclusions. I use those fact-checking moments as a moment of education for myself and something I get to use to educate my community and the people around me.”
Worries about the election and its aftermath aren’t going anywhere any time soon, but there’s so much we can do to care for ourselves, our families, and our communities during this volatile time. We can check in on each other; we can share our favorite stress-baking recipes. And perhaps, most importantly, we can stay engaged in advocating for the kind of future we want for our children and our communities—one day at a time.