Federal Election: Australians experiencing ‘higher stress levels’ during 2022 campaign

If you’re feeling stressed out in the lead up to the May 21 poll, you are not alone. Experts share their tips on surviving the campaign.

Psychologists are witnessing higher levels of anxiety across Australia as the election looms.

Global research has found that the time around an election increases the levels of stress across the nation and citizens can begin to suffer Election Stress Disorder – a phenomenon coined by Washington, DC psychologist Steven Stosny during the US presidential election in 2016.

Stosny says continual alerts from news sources, blogs, social media, and “alternative facts” during an election campaign “feel like missile explosions in a siege without end” and can leave people feeling resentment, hostility and anxiety.

Mary Spillane, a clinical psychologist, believe modern media is increasing stress levels. Picture: Hugh Davies

Melbourne-based mental health expert Mary Spillane says anecdotally she is witnessing much higher stress levels during the 2022 Australian election campaign than in previous years.

“There is always anxiety around election time, but for me – and there is always recency bias – the anxiety seems much higher this time around than in previous years.

“I think the pandemic has been a part of that, too. The awareness of politics or the landscape of politics has changed for a lot of people. People are a lot more invested in who they elect.

“They have had this experience of feeling the impacts of their leaders and their leaders’ decisions more than ever.”

Spillane, who works with the Headspace App team, believes modern media coverage is increasing anxiety.

“It’s just constant ... a constant stream of coverage that is difficult to avoid at times, and so we have got this issue of uncertainty and of great importance and it’s difficult to switch off from that. That can make it challenging.”

She says election stress has the potential to impact our physical and mental health, and also our relationships with those around us by making us more reactive, irritable or withdrawn.

OPPOSING VIEWS

Ashley de Silva, CEO of ReachOut, which delivers mental health and wellbeing programs, says with 54 per cent of young people already feeling moderately or extremely stressed about the future before the election was called, “it’s not surprising that conversations about the election really go to the core of existing anxieties”.

He says cost of living pressures, career uncertainty and whether they will survive financially in the future all weigh on their minds.

De Silva encourages people to remain respectful when having conversations about the election, especially if there are strongly worded and passionate views that lead to agitated discussion, and to know when to walk away.

“These conversations can be really tiring or make things such as how they feel about the future feel even worse. So it’s important to just remember that when you’re having conversations, or particularly if you’re starting them, don’t assume that your comfort around these issues or your passion for these issues will always translate into the other person also wanting to have the conversation.”

Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese and Prime Minister Scott Morrison shake hands at the start of the second leaders' debate. Picture: Alex Ellinghausen

FIRST TIMER

Tiara De Silva, 20, from Pymble in NSW, is an undecided voter but is excited to take part in her first election.

“I feel privileged that I get to partake in these democratic processes and to be able vote and have my say. I feel that this is our time, especially for young people.”

De Silva, who is studying and working full time, says she is not anxious despite experiencing conflicting perspectives when discussing the election.

“I think a key component of just being able to talk to someone who you know has differing values from you, is to just not only keep the discourse and the conversation open, but also to approach it with an open mind,” she says.

“Remember you are talking to a person not just about their views, but there are feelings behind those views, and a person behind those views.”

TIPS FOR TALKING POLITICS RESPECTFULLY

●Have a clear purpose: Figure out what you want to achieve before talking to other people about politics. Do you want to learn what they believe in or challenge assumptions? Or do you just want to have a healthy discussion? Remember to be upfront so that others can opt out if they do not feel comfortable.

●Listen and be curious: Understanding other people’s beliefs, values, perspectives and insights is important, so be curious, ask questions, challenge your assumptions and be open to learning something new. If you don’t agree with something, ask if they are open to explaining why they think a certain way and thoughtfully share your opinion.

●Focus on things you can control: You can’t control the way other people think or act, nor can you control the actions of powerful groups like governments or corporations, so try to focus on small but significant things you can control in your own world — like exercising, going to work or studying. Voting can also help you to feel more in control.

●Be respectful: Remember that not everyone will feel the same way as you, and that’s OK. It’s important to respect other people’s wishes if they do not want to engage in a discussion about politics with you, or have a differing opinion.

●Check in: Make sure you ask yourself how you’re feeling in that moment because, even if you might enjoy chatting about politics, there’s a chance you might start feeling stressed, anxious or sad and might need to take a break.

Tips courtesy of Reach Out

Originally published as Federal Election: Australians experiencing ‘higher stress levels’ during 2022 campaign