WASHINGTON (EFE).— The United States elections on November 5, in which people will vote for Donald Trump or Kamala Harris, are a cause of stress for the majority of the population of that country, according to a study published yesterday by the American Association of Psychology.
In two weeks, the United States will decide between the opposing models of Republican candidate Trump and Democratic candidate Harris, and polls predict that whoever manages to reach the Oval Office will do so by a very narrow margin of votes.
According to the polling portal FiveThirtyEight, Harris leads the national polls by almost two points, although in recent days she has lost her advantage. In the polls in the seven key states to win these elections, both candidates are practically tied.
The uncertainty of not knowing who will lead the country in the coming years is causing stress to 69% of the participants in the “Stress in America” survey, conducted by the research center The Harris Poll, which is based on interviews with more than 3,000 adults over 18 years of age between the first day and August 23 of this year.
The number grows by a few digits when asked about the future and the nation’s economy: 77% of Americans say they suffer stress in their daily lives due to the path the country may take depending on who governs, and 73%, for the economy.
Artificial intelligence, as a tool for misinformation and fake news, has been one of the protagonists of these elections, so much so that 82% are concerned that people may be basing their values and opinions on false or inaccurate information .
Likewise, the polarization and social fracture caused by politics in recent years have increased the number of citizens suffering from stress by almost 20 points since 2016. Before, 52% suffered from it, and that leads to catastrophic scenarios, although not unreal
Seven in ten are worried about whether the presidential elections could lead to a spiral of violence in the country and more than half (56%) believe that these elections could mean the end of democracy in the United States.
These data are not surprising after a campaign in which Trump has experienced an assassination attempt, suggested ordering the intervention of the Armed Forces to confront a supposed “enemy within” on Election Day, and concerns persist that Republicans could reject the results in case of defeat.
According to pollsters, precisely this climate of polarization is serving as a springboard for activism and mobilization.
More than three-quarters of adults (77%) said they intend to vote in the presidential election. The communities that feel most challenged to participate in the elections are blacks and Latinos, one of the voting markets for which both candidates are fighting the most.
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**Interview with Dr. Emily Thompson, Clinical Psychologist, on Election Stress**
**Editor:** Good day, Dr. Thompson. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the stress many Americans are feeling as we approach the upcoming elections. A recent study by the American Association of Psychology indicates that an overwhelming 69% of Americans are experiencing election-related stress. From your perspective, what are some common reasons behind this anxiety?
**Dr. Thompson:** Thank you for having me. The upcoming elections, particularly in such a polarized environment, can significantly heighten anxiety levels. Many people feel uncertain about the future, especially with two major candidates like Donald Trump and Kamala Harris presenting starkly different visions for the country. The fear of change, potential conflict, and economic implications all contribute to the stress many voters are experiencing.
**Editor:** That makes a lot of sense. With such a narrow margin expected in the polls, do you think this uncertainty is causing people to fixate more on the election and its outcomes?
**Dr. Thompson:** Absolutely. The closer the race becomes, the more people may obsess over the results. This anticipation can lead to increased anxiety because it’s challenging to cope with uncertainty about something so impactful. It’s human nature to want predictability, and elections can feel like a major gamble with national implications.
**Editor:** In light of these stresses, what strategies do you recommend for those feeling overwhelmed as election day approaches?
**Dr. Thompson:** I encourage people to focus on what they can control and to engage in self-care practices. Some effective strategies include:
1. **Limiting News Consumption:** Take breaks from news related to the election, as continuous updates can amplify anxiety.
2. **Practicing Mindfulness:** Mindfulness exercises, such as meditation or deep-breathing techniques, can help ground individuals and reduce feelings of anxiety.
3. **Engaging in Physical Activity:** Regular exercise is an excellent way to alleviate stress and improve mood.
4. **Discussing Feelings:** Talking about concerns with friends or family can help lighten the emotional load.
5. **Setting a Voting Plan:** Having a concrete plan for voting can give individuals a sense of agency amid the uncertainty.
**Editor:** Those are great suggestions. As we approach November 5th, what message would you like to impart to voters?
**Dr. Thompson:** I would emphasize that it’s important to remember that, while elections are crucial, they are not the entirety of our lives. It’s essential to engage politically but also to take care of our mental well-being. Balance is key. Reach out for support when necessary and remember that no matter the outcome, America is resilient.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Thompson, for your insights. It’s essential for us to prioritize our mental health during this stressful time.
**Dr. Thompson:** Thank you for having me. Stay healthy and take care of yourselves!
