Election Anxiety and Holiday Stress Converge for Americans in 2024, Survey Finds

Key Takeaways

As the holiday season approaches, we set out to capture the current state of holiday stress across America with our annual holiday stress survey. This year’s findings reveal which stressors top the list, how they impact mental health and wellness, and the ways in which people are (or aren’t) seeking support. Read on for key findings and insights:

Mental health and the holidays

Americans in 2024 appear to be experiencing a modest yet noticeable reduction in stress levels compared to 2023 and 2022.

Sixty-two percent of Americans consider themselves moderately to extremely stressed, down from 67% in 2023 and 72% in 2022. Self-reported levels of anxiety, depression and financial stress decreased on a year-over-year basis as well.

Here’s how this year’s results compared to the 2023 holiday season:

• 36% report an increase in anxiety (down from 52% in 2023)
• 28% report an increase in depression (down from 41% in 2023)
• 51% report an increase in financial stress (down from 66% in 2023)

Still, the holiday season continues to have an impact on Americans’ mental health. Only 2% of those surveyed described themselves as not stressed at all, and winter continues to be the season that Americans are most likely to cite as when they have the poorest mental health. Only 36% of those surveyed reported having “good” or “very good” mental health during the winter. The other seasons are all above 72%.

This stress makes 21% of Americans consider seeking out a mental health professional to talk to -- and another 14% are interested but don’t feel they can afford it right now.

Sources of stress

Three out of 5 Americans reported that their stress levels increase during the holiday season. Financial concerns top the list of stressors: for the third year in a row, inflation is the leading cause of holiday stress amongst Americans, affecting 31% of respondents. Shopping for gifts (18%) and navigating difficult family dynamics (17%) were also listed as top concerns.

When asked who caused them the most stress, respondents pointed fingers at their extended family (30%) and their own children (15%). Other stressors included significant others (12%) significant others’ families (10%).

Political tension during the holidays

Nearly 60% of Americans are concerned that political discussions will impact social gatherings during the 2024 holiday season. Democrats (68%) reported a stronger concern than Republicans (50%) in this regard.

The mental health of those who identified as Democrats in the survey was found to be particularly vulnerable to a loss by their preferred candidate. Of the 186 polled who said they are Democrats, more than half (56%) said their mental health will be negatively affected by a loss: 21% said their mental health would be extremely negatively affected; and 35% said it would be somewhat negatively affected.

Those who said they are Republicans were less likely (37%) to report that their mental health is vulnerable to a loss by their preferred candidate: of the 142 surveyed who said they are Republicans, nearly 6% said their mental health would be extremely negatively affected; and 31% will be somewhat negatively affected.

Those who did not identify as aligning with a major party also indicated the election could have negative mental health effects. More than 42% said their mental health will be somewhat or extremely negatively affected if their preferred candidate loses.

COVID-19 and 2024 holiday plans

In contrast to findings from the past several years, concerns about COVID-19 have eased noticeably in 2024. Just 14% of Americans surveyed noted an increase in COVID-related stress during the holidays. Here’s how those surveyed expected COVID to impact their 2024 holiday plans:

• 26% of respondents said they were likely to see family less often, down from 39% in 2023 and 43% in 2022
• 30% of respondents said they were likely skip traveling to see out-of-town family and/or friends, down from 41% in 2023 and 43% in 2022
• 19% of respondents said they were likely to avoid family or friends unless they have been vaccinated and/or boosted, down from 28% in 2023 and 30% in 2022.
• 30% of respondents said they were likely to skip large gatherings such as holiday performances and holiday parties, down from 39% in 2023 and 40% in 2022.

Coping with holiday stress

As the holidays near, how are Americans unwinding in the face of rising stress levels?

Half of Americans (50%) find solace in conversation, whether it’s opening up to friends or family (38%) or seeking support from a mental health professional (12%). Comfort food offers a welcome distraction for nearly half (49%), while others turn to a drink (27%) or break a sweat through exercise (25%) to keep stress at bay.

Interested in viewing past results? View surveys from previous years below:

• 2023 Holiday Stress Survey
• 2022 Holiday Stress Survey