Co-authored by Melissa Chen, D.O., and Eunice Y. Yuen, MD, PhD
The 2024 U.S. election is heightening stress across the country, affecting more than 7 out of 10 adults, regardless of political affiliation. Surveys show that 82 percent of people’s opinions are based on inaccurate information, and 64 percent feel their rights are under threat. The relentless nature of social media, with its constant flow of election-related content, has increased passive consumption of social issues and elevated anxiety, particularly in our youth.
In the face of rising political tensions and societal challenges, more than half of youth and young adults in the U.S. are feeling pessimistic about their future. Some experience a “pre-election mental health crisis,” marked by sleep issues, worsening depression, catastrophic thoughts about the future, and even hallucinations. This distress in our youth often stems from an acute awareness of societal forces shaping their lives, coupled with a sense of powerlessness to influence change. How can we support our youth through these challenges?
Given the heavy use of the internet and social media in political campaigns, some coping strategies for youth include limiting time on social media, practicing mindfulness, and prioritizing self-care. Taking mental and physical breaks from election-related stress helps our youth reconnect with the world beyond politics.
A seemingly contrarian but in fact synergistic approach to mitigating election-related stress is what we call citizenship-oriented care. As health professionals, encouraging our patients to engage in civic activities can help combat feelings of loneliness, pessimism, and helplessness. For instance, integrating voter registration materials into clinics and mental health centers makes voting accessible, empowering young patients and families to feel connected to civic life.
School-based programs focused on civic learning can offer group activities like mock elections, debates, or group decision-making exercises, providing hands-on practice in decision-making and emotional regulation, which strengthens civic identity. Likewise, suggesting volunteer or advocacy opportunities can connect youth with causes that resonate with them. By integrating these forms of civic engagement into their lives, young people can actively participate in issues they care about, fulfill their civic responsibilities, and sublimate their worries toward positive change.
At the heart of these civic opportunities lies one of the most impactful tools young people have to shape their futures—voting. Yet, despite making up nearly a quarter of the electorate, voters between the ages of 18 and 29 remain significantly underrepresented at the polls. Studies show that only about 50 percent of eligible voters aged 18 to 29 cast ballots in the 2020 election. Additionally, almost 30 percent of this age group were not registered to vote at all. These statistics highlight a missed opportunity for young voices to be heard in shaping policies that directly impact their futures.
As our youth approach voting age, health professionals, parents, and families can introduce the concept of civic duty as an empowering step toward adulthood. Many of our youth do not realize how easy it is to register, and they may feel disconnected from the political process. By discussing voter registration and civic involvement in supportive, nonpartisan terms, we empower youth to see their role in creating positive change. In clinical and educational settings, these conversations foster a sense of responsibility and agency, which promotes resilience.
Early conversations on voting and advocacy can foster a sense of civic responsibility. Research shows that voting is a habit—those who vote in their first eligible election are far more likely to continue voting throughout their lives. This is why it’s crucial for us, as mental health professionals, to support our patients’ first steps into civic participation. Encouraging young people to register and vote not only builds resilience but also strengthens their connection to their communities, which is vital for their mental well-being. Through family discussions, classroom education, or therapeutic settings, we can help set the stage for lifelong civic engagement.
By promoting civic education to support our youth and their families, we help them build resilience and foster a stronger connection to the world around them. Making nonpartisan voting conversations a part of our daily rituals ensures our youth have the tools they need for personal growth and civic empowerment.
Let’s support the next generation in finding their voice—not only in our encounters but also through learning and civic engagement.
Melissa Chen, D.O., is a psychiatry resident at the University of Central Florida with a passion for integrating civic engagement into mental healthcare. She has worked extensively with youth populations and volunteers with organizations focused on trauma-informed care for children and adolescents.
The authors would like to thank the team at Vot-ER for their work in promoting civic engagement in healthcare settings, as well as their colleagues and mentors for their ongoing support in this initiative. Special thanks to Maria Bobrowski-Artola, Partnerships and Policy Manager at Vot-ER for her support.
