NORTH DAKOTA (KXNET) — As Americans are gearing up for the presidential election, they are starting to feel stressed and uncertain. Talker Research conducted a new survey from Forbes Health and it uncovered the mental health impacts of the presidential election — asking people how it's affecting them emotionally, how it's changed/impacted relationships, and how they're coping with their feelings. You are not alone if you feel on edge during this election cycle, over 60% of people shared that their mental health has been slightly, moderately, or significantly impacted negatively. Many reported anxiety, stress, and fear as their top feelings. "I think election day anxiety is a natural response to the significant decisions we are asked to make," said Certified School Psychologist, Licensed Professional Counselor, and Forbes Health Advisory Board Member, Dr. Rufus Tony Spann, Ph.D. Younger Americans are feeling a bigger impact via anxiety — specifically Gen Z, millennials, and Gen X. More women are also experiencing negative impacts on their mental health. "I believe some people's anxiety comes from past post-election results," Dr. Spann explained. "Based on the results of previous elections, some communities felt they needed to prepare for the backlash due to the results of an election." It is unanimous that every generation is feeling some amount of anxiety. Learn about the Philippines with ‘Know My Culture’ series at Bismarck library "In my opinion, anxiety can manifest in our bodies, decision-making, and emotions," said Dr. Spann. "One way to know if anxiety is manifesting in our bodies is to be aware of how our bodies react to political decision-making. Does your body become tense, and your breathing become shallow? Although these don't have to be exact signs, they could be responses to the political situation." Despite the top three emotions being negative, not everyone is feeling it. Some people who participated in the survey reported feeling optimistic, excited, happy, and relieved. Surprisingly, it's mostly men who have positive feelings, while women have negative feelings. For some people, the stress goes beyond voting booths — it's negatively impacting school and work performances as well. People are coping with all these emotions very differently, some common responses include: Avoiding the new Talking with friends/family Avoiding social media Exercising more Avoiding friends/family with differing views Emotional eating Drinking more alcohol or using substances Talking with a therapist "If anxiety is making it hard for you to function in your day-to-day activities or you notice that you are experiencing significant distress from the anxiety and it's turning into other types of concerns (like depression or tendency to use escapist coping like drinking too much alcohol or misusing substances to cope), then seek the help of a mental health professional who can help," said Triple Board Certified and Licensed Clinical and Forsenic Neuropsycholosit and Forbes Health Advisory Board Member, Dr. Judy Ho, Ph.D. Clock starts now for Medicare Plan D enrollment For some people, sharing political views with friends and family doesn't guarantee a like-minded group and intense debates about conflicting stances can be heightened. "Sharp political divisions can lead to tension between friends, family, and coworkers, making discussions around the election emotionally charged and stressful," Dr. Ho explained. According to the results of the survey, tensions are bubbling up between friends 18% of those who participated in the survey said that their family relationships have been negatively impacted, especially between older generations. 44% reported feeling anxious about spending time with friends and family during the holidays since the election is right before them. However, some people do feel comfortable discussing politics with friends, their partner, their friends, and their extended family. Some even stated that relationships in the same age range have been positively impacted. But for those who are having negative interactions, Dr. Ho suggests avoiding the topic altogether. "For your own well-being, it might be best to either avoid discussions with family members or friends whom you know are likely to incite an angry discussion," she said. "Remove yourself from a situation when you see people getting into a heated debate if necessary, or set ground rules for how you will discuss politics." Social media, according to the survey, has added to the anxiety. The platforms in question include YouTube, TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram. "Constant exposure to election news, social media, and sensationalist headlines can amplify feelings of anxiety," noted Dr. Ho. Keep spooky season safe for pets Some people, because of the constant political content, have either reduced their social media usage or stopped using it entirely. Those who are still using social media are sharing their political opinions, especially men. Those who participated in the survey feel as though social media harms the democratic process. "Recognizing the triggers of election anxiety is key," Dr. Ho added. "In my opinion, past elections, experiences with current political climates, and messages from family, friends, media, and social media can all trigger this anxiety." To cope, she recommends setting boundaries for the amount of time you spend consuming political news. "Addressing election anxiety means you can actively participate in having a choice," Dr. Spann added. "By taking the steps to register to vote, becoming knowledgeable of the candidates and voting, you are taking an active stance in this process. This empowerment can help alleviate some of the anxiety." Dr. Spann also noted that if you feel overwhelmed, it's important to step away from the messaging. "After getting clarity by relaxing the mind and body, give yourself the space to make a decision you feel comfortable with. Remember, your well-being is crucial, and taking a break from stress can help you make a more informed decision," he concluded. 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