Election Season Self-Care

Some of us are preparing for another election cycle, others are staring over the battleground of past ones, wondering if it’s worth it. But civic participation is more than a democratic duty – it can also bolster our mental wellbeing.
In psychiatry and mental health research, factors such as autonomy, social connectedness, and purpose are recognised as vital to psychological resilience. Engaging in the civic process—from casting a ballot to attending community forums—satisfies these needs in concrete ways.
In this blog, we explore six key mechanisms through which voting and civic engagement support mental health, and consider how election season stress can be transformed into an empowering force for individual and collective wellbeing

A sense of personal agency – the feeling that one has control over events in one’s life – is fundamental to mental health. Self-Determination Theory, a well-established framework in psychology, identifies autonomy as one of three basic psychological needs; without it, individuals can experience anxiety, helplessness, and low mood.

Voting provides a direct, tangible way to exercise autonomy: selecting representatives, influencing policies, and shaping the society in which we live. Studies consistently link low perceived control with higher rates of depression and stress, while “perceived control is strongly linked to healthy outcomes, mental healthiness, and psychological well-being.” is strongly linked to healthy outcomes, mental healthiness, and psychological well-being.

Individuals who feel empowered in civic spheres often report enhanced self-efficacy and reduced psychological distress. By participating in elections and local decision-making, we affirm our capacity to effect change, reinforcing our internal locus of control and fostering greater emotional stability

Humans are inherently social beings, and robust social connections act as a protective buffer against loneliness, anxiety, and depression. Civic engagement—whether volunteering for a campaign, joining a community advisory board, or simply discussing policy issues with neighbours—cultivates social capital and improves mental health. A 2023 cross-sectional analysis on the connection of community and mental health, found that “a positive sense of community is associated with a reduced reporting of depression, anxiety and stress symptoms.”

Sadly, according to Medicare Mental Health. “Around one-third of Australian adults are not involved in any social or community groups.”
When we engage with civic causes, we build networks that offer emotional support, practical assistance, and a shared sense of purpose. These connections not only enrich our social lives but also enhance our resilience when facing personal challenges.

In periods of political uncertainty or social upheaval, it can be tempting to retreat into cynicism or disinterest. Yet, disengagement often exacerbates feelings of helplessness, a known contributor to anxiety and depressive symptoms. By contrast, taking concrete steps—registering to vote, researching candidates, or participating in public consultations—can reignite a sense of hope and agency.

Research into “hope theory” emphasises that hopeful individuals set goals, identify pathways, and mobilise the motivation to pursue them. Voting and civic involvement thus serve as accessible goal-directed actions that restore optimism and counteract the psychological toll of powerlessness, fostering a more positive outlook on both personal and societal futures.

Marginalised communities – whether defined by socioeconomic status, ethnicity, gender identity, or disability – often face barriers to political participation. When these barriers are overcome, the act of voting can be profoundly empowering.

An extensive Civic Engagement report from the Brandeis Heller School for Social Policy and Management shows us: “it is clear that whether it is through voting, attending town halls, writing letters to public ofcials, joining rallies, coming together with other disabled people, or participating in online discussions — people with disabilities are consciously motivated by gaining access to civic power in order to meaningfully participate in, be represented by, and contribute their leadership towards a more inclusive democracy. Despite this deep connection and commitment to civic engagement, our survey responses revealed that 57 percent of respondents “Experienced barriers to participate in civic engagement.”

Voting is, at its core, a form of self-care – particularly when mental health services, funding, and legislation are at stake.

Policy decisions around funding for community mental health programmes, workplace wellbeing initiatives, or early intervention services directly impact access to care and overall public mental health. By casting an informed vote for candidates and policies that prioritise mental wellbeing, individuals exercise influence over the very structures that support their psychological health.

Research from public health indicates that stronger mental health policies correlate with lower societal rates of suicide, hospitalisation, and chronic stress. In this light, voting transcends individual preference—it becomes an act of collective self-care, shaping environments that foster better mental health outcomes for all.

While passion for social change can be energising, unstructured activism—particularly online—carries the risk of burnout, compassion fatigue, and chronic stress. Endless scrolling through newsfeeds, engaging in heated debates, or shouldering vast expectations can overwhelm even the most dedicated advocate.

Purposeful civic action, by contrast, channels energy into discrete, achievable tasks: enrolling to vote, attending a town hall, or writing to a representative. These targeted, solution-focused activities provide clear endpoints and measurable outcomes, reducing the emotional toll of unbounded engagement. By balancing activism with self-care and mindful participation, individuals can maintain their enthusiasm and avoid the psychological weariness that can accompany perpetual online activism.

It’s undeniable that election season can heighten anxiety—around uncertainty, divisive rhetoric, or the stakes of policy outcomes. Yet, the antidote to this stress lies not in isolation but in informed, active participation. By voting and engaging with civic processes, we reclaim our sense of control, build social connections, reinforce hope, and influence the policies that shape our mental health landscape. Rather than succumbing to helplessness, we can transform electoral anxiety into purposeful action. In doing so, we not only uphold the principles of democracy but also invest in our own psychological resilience.

If you feel like you’d benefit from additional support to handle the stress or pressures around this time, get in touch so that you can be in a better space to have your voice heard.