Wayne State Doctor Outlines Three Steps to Manage Election Stress

Wayne State University psychiatry professor Dr. Arash Javanbakht says political fear is designed to overwhelm voters, but specific habits can help individuals take back control. His advice comes as the 2026 election season intensifies, with many Americans reporting high levels of anxiety. The American Psychological Association found that 69% of U.S. adults identified the 2024 presidential election as a major source of stress. Javanbakht argues that campaigns deliberately trigger this response because fear is a fundamental protective emotion. When people perceive a threat, that threat becomes their highest priority, often displacing other concerns.

The first step in Javanbakht’s prescription is to reduce exposure to political content. He compares constant news consumption to eating food that makes a person sick. He recommends creating firm boundaries around when and how much election information is consumed. This does not mean ignoring the process entirely, but rather limiting the frequency of engagement to prevent fatigue. Christy Warren of Flat Rock described the current environment as exhausting, noting that texts and ads arrive multiple times a day. She said, 'You cannot escape it. It is exhausting. It is everyday. It is multiple times a day.'

The second recommendation involves converting negative emotions into positive action. Javanbakht suggests that helplessness is a corrosive effect of political fear. To counter this, he urges people to engage in political activism, pick up the phone for phone banking, or perform charitable work. He states, 'Do something, whether it is going political activism, picking up the phone, or charitable work that helps people that I think are negatively affected by these policies.' This active approach helps transform draining emotions into constructive outcomes.

The third step is maintaining normal routines. Javanbakht emphasizes the importance of staying anchored in reality through everyday activities. He advises continuing to exercise, having family dinners, and watching movies together. He explained, 'Do your exercise, family activities, the movie you watch together, the dinner you have together. We need these normal activities that anchor us in the reality of life and keep us healthy.' These routines serve as a counterweight to the unpredictability of the news cycle.

Finally, Javanbakht stresses the need to reconnect with others across political lines. He believes that isolation deepens fear and that seeing others' humanity beyond their politics is essential for community resilience. He said, 'We have got to open up to each other and see each other's humanity beyond the politics.' This approach aims to keep families and communities intact despite differing views on policy. Javanbakht, author of the book 'Afraid: Understanding the Purpose of Fear and Harnessing the Power of Anxiety,' presented these tips as evidence-based methods to reclaim mental health during high-stakes election periods.

The next scheduled development in the 2026 cycle will be the general election on November 3, 2026. Voters will head to the polls to select their preferred candidates for federal and state offices. The period leading up to that date is expected to see increased advertising and public events, which Javanbakht notes can further amplify stress levels for many citizens.