Sixty-eight percent of U.S adults say the 2020 presidential election is a significant source of stress in their lives, according to a poll by the American Psychological Association.
As of Thursday afternoon several states — including Georgia, Nevada, North Carolina and Pennsylvania — were still counting votes, according to the Associated Press.
Voter Cory Woodruff said he’s been checking his phone as the numbers roll in.
“I would love to know by the end of the day today,” Woodruff said.
Woodruff said he is ready for the election to be over, but just when that might happen is unclear. The vote count in Nevada is expected to last “for several more days,” the AP reported.
The uncertainty is causing some Americans to suffer from “post-election stress,” according to Dr. Kate Chard, director of UC Health’s Stress Center.
“I think it’s hard for people to get away from this election,” Chard said.
Chard said it seems more people are feeling stressed from the election than COVID-19.
“A lot of people are handling this stress as if something dramatic is going to change in their life, depending on who is elected,” Chard said.
Chard suggests people who are feeling stressed or anxious should take a break from social media and go outside or take a walk.
Voter Steve Stanton said he doesn’t feel that the election process has been abnormal, given the circumstances.
“I understand the frustration of not knowing, but you just have to hang in there and wait and trust the system,” Stanton said.
