Recognizing elections’ mental health impacts

Recognizing elections’ mental health impacts


It’s become a potent catch phrase for both political parties: Elections have consequences. As America reacts to the results of the turbulent national election this month, most pundits and voters are focused on broad policies and hot-button issues.

But election consequences go much deeper, into the psyche of millions of Americans, especially after months of angry rhetoric spilled against a backdrop of a deadly pandemic.

A recent study focused on the psychological impacts on a particular group of Americans following the 2016 presidential election, with an eye toward alerting mental health care providers on what to watch for in the coming months.

Researchers at the University of Michigan reviewed data from a survey of more than 75,000 students from 90 colleges and universities in the 14 months before and after the 2016 election. That election was particularly rancorous because of the rise in anti-Muslim rhetoric during the campaign, followed by the issuance of executive orders barring immigrants from several Muslim-majority nations shortly after taking office.

The scientists found an 8% spike in depression and anxiety among Muslim students in the 14 months after the election compared with the 14 months before the election. Among those Muslim students who said they were devout, the increase was 11%.

The researchers said their findings show the links between major national events and mental health, especially for those caught in the political crosswinds.

As the dust settles on this year’s election, we should all pay attention to our family, friends and neighbors and help those who are having a hard time with the results. The consequences go far beyond the ballot box.

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