Election Anxiety and Worry in New Jersey: Coping Ahead of the November 2025 Election

Learn more about Individual Therapy in NJ.

In This Blog, You’ll Learn:

What election-related anxiety looks like and why it happens
How political stress affects your mental health and daily life
Practical coping skills to manage election worry
How therapy can help you feel calmer and more empowered leading up to Election Day

At Mountains Therapy in Montclair, NJ, we understand that election seasons can bring up intense emotions. With the New Jersey General Election on November 4, 2025, many residents are feeling uncertain, frustrated, or overwhelmed. The constant news cycle, political conversations, and social media updates can heighten anxiety and make it hard to stay balanced. If you’ve been feeling more tense, restless, or worried as the election approaches, you’re not alone. Election-related stress is a real experience, and it can impact both your emotional and physical well-being.

Why the 2025 New Jersey Governor’s Race Feels So Stressful for Many

The 2025 governor’s race in New Jersey has many residents feeling uncertain and emotionally drained. Beyond the usual political tension, this election touches on everyday concerns that directly affect people’s sense of safety, stability, and control, all of which can trigger anxiety.

Here’s what’s fueling that worry for many:

Rising Cost of Living:
Many New Jerseyans are already struggling with high property taxes, rent, and general affordability. Both candidates, Mikie Sherrill (Democrat) and Jack Ciattarelli (Republican), have sharply different plans for addressing these issues, leaving voters anxious about what the next administration will mean for their budgets and financial security.
Economic Uncertainty and Job Security:
Voters are expressing fear about how new fiscal policies could affect employment, small-business stability, and local economies. Election rhetoric around taxation and state spending has created uncertainty about what’s next.
Education and School Policy:
Parents and educators are concerned about possible changes to public-school funding, curriculum standards, and inclusion policies. Because schools often reflect broader community values, these debates can feel very personal and emotionally charged.
Healthcare and Social Policy:
Some residents worry about healthcare affordability, reproductive rights, and access to social services. For those who rely on consistent coverage or state programs, political change can feel threatening to their stability.
Immigration and Cultural Inclusion:
Immigration has become a key talking point in the 2025 governor’s race. Some voters express concern about border control and state spending, while others focus on ensuring safety, fairness, and compassion for immigrant families. This divide can heighten stress, especially for those with mixed-status families or loved ones who have faced discrimination. Feeling uncertain about one’s place in the community can trigger deep emotional distress.
Community and Identity Tension:
New Jersey’s diversity is one of its strengths, but heated debates around immigration, LGBTQIA+ rights, and representation have left some people feeling unsafe or unseen. This can amplify anxiety for marginalized groups who already experience systemic stress.
Polarization and Social Strain:
Many voters feel exhausted by division in families, friend groups, and workplaces. The constant “us versus them” tone of politics can increase stress, guilt, and even avoidance of social interaction.
Uncertainty About the Future:
Above all, unpredictability fuels anxiety. Whether people fear losing progress or crave change, uncertainty about the future and feeling powerless over it can leave them emotionally overwhelmed.

Signs You May Be Feeling Election Anxiety

Thinking about ballot outcomes or political issues constantly.
Avoiding news or social media to escape political tension.
Difficulty falling or staying asleep because of worry.
Feeling powerless or fearful about future outcomes.
Arguing more often with friends or family about political topics.
Feeling tense, restless, or experiencing physical stress symptoms.
Putting off voting or registration tasks due to anxiety.

Why Election Anxiety Is Rising in 2025

Many New Jersey voters are expressing stress around issues like the cost of living, housing, taxes, healthcare, and community change. Constant exposure to political ads, debates, and online discussions can make people feel emotionally exhausted. Even those who are not deeply involved in politics may feel overwhelmed by uncertainty and polarization. It’s normal to want to stay informed while also protecting your peace of mind.

How to Cope with Election Anxiety

Limit News Intake: Choose specific times to check the news instead of constant scrolling.
Focus on What You Can Control: Make a plan for how and when you’ll vote to feel more in control.
Practice Mindfulness: Take a few minutes daily to breathe deeply, stretch, or ground yourself in the present.
Set Healthy Boundaries: Politely excuse yourself from political discussions that feel heated or triggering.
Create a Self-Care Routine: Exercise, connect with friends, and engage in activities that help you recharge.
Talk About Your Feelings: Sharing your thoughts with a therapist or trusted friend can relieve emotional tension.
Unplug When Needed: Take social media breaks to reset your nervous system and focus on your real-life environment.

How Therapy Helps With Election Anxiety

Therapy provides tools to help you manage stress, regulate emotions, and find a sense of calm even when the world feels uncertain. At Mountains Therapy, our clinicians use evidence-based approaches tailored to your needs, including:

ACT - Acceptance Commitment Therapy in Montclair, NJ

Helps you stay aligned with your values while managing anxiety through mindfulness and acceptance.

Attachment-Based Therapy in Montclair, NJ

Explores how feelings of safety, security, and control affect your stress response during uncertain times.

CBT - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Montclair, NJ

Identifies negative thought patterns like catastrophizing and replaces them with balanced, realistic perspectives.

DBT - Dialectical Behavioral Therapy in Montclair, NJ

Teaches emotion regulation and mindfulness techniques for handling intense worry or irritability.

Mindfulness-Based Therapy in Montclair, NJ

Helps you notice anxious thoughts without judgment and move through them calmly.

Narrative Therapy in Montclair, NJ

Encourages you to explore your personal and cultural story around voting and civic participation.

Psychodynamic Therapy in Montclair, NJ

Uncovers deeper emotional patterns that may be contributing to stress and helps you understand where your worry stems from.

SFT - Solution Focused Therapy in Montclair, NJ

Helps you focus on what’s working and identify practical steps to support your emotional wellness before and after Election Day.

TF-CBT - Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Montclair, NJ

Supports clients with a trauma history who may feel triggered by political events or uncertainty.

FAQs

Should I avoid all news until after the election?
Not necessarily. Limiting exposure and setting healthy boundaries can help reduce overwhelm while staying informed.
What if I feel worse after the election results?
That’s common. Therapy can help you process disappointment, frustration, or fear and rebuild emotional balance.
Can I feel election anxiety even if I don’t vote?
Yes. Anxiety can come from the social climate or future uncertainty, not just voting itself.
What if political arguments trigger me?
We can help you develop communication and boundary-setting skills to protect your peace.
Does therapy focus on politics?
No. Therapy focuses on you and your emotional well-being.

Election Questions People Commonly Ask in New Jersey

Who is running for NJ election 2025?
For governor, the major candidates are Mikie Sherrill (Democrat) and Jack Ciattarelli (Republican).
Who won the NJ primary election 2025?
In the 2025 primary for governor: Jack Ciattarelli won the Republican nomination, and Mikie Sherrill won the Democratic nomination.
Are NJ schools closed on Election Day?
Many schools in New Jersey are closed or run on modified schedules for Election Day, as some schools serve as polling locations. Always check with your local district.
How is the NJ election going?
Elections progress throughout the day; official updates are typically provided by the New Jersey Division of Elections and local news outlets.
What NJ election is today?
It depends on the date. The next major statewide election is the General Election on November 4, 2025.
What were the NJ election results?
Results are posted by the New Jersey Department of State and local county election boards once votes are certified.
What is the NJ primary election?
The primary election is when registered party members vote to select their party’s candidates for the general election.
What is the next NJ election?
The next major election is the November 4, 2025 General Election.
What election is in NJ?
In 2025, New Jersey will hold state and local elections, including legislative and municipal races.
When is the NJ election?
Election Day is Tuesday, November 4, 2025.
When is the NJ election for governor?
The next New Jersey gubernatorial election will be held in 2025.
When is NJ Election Day?
Election Day in New Jersey is November 4, 2025.
When is NJ election 2025?
November 4, 2025.
When is NJ Election Day 2025?
Tuesday, November 4, 2025.
Where do I vote in the NJ election?
You can find your polling place on the NJ Voter Information Portal.
Who won the NJ election?
Results vary by year and position. Check nj.gov/elections for official results.
Who won the NJ election 2024?
Final certified results are listed on the New Jersey Division of Elections website.
Who won the NJ election for governor?
The next gubernatorial race will conclude after November 2025, with results available shortly after Election Day.
Who is running in the NJ election?
Candidate lists are released by the NJ Division of Elections before the primary and general elections.
When will NJ election results be released?
Preliminary results are released on Election Night, with certified results typically posted within a week.
Who will win the NJ election?
No one can predict election outcomes. Instead of worrying about the results, focus on your values, your vote, and your mental health.

Therapy Services Offered at Mountains Therapy

Individual Therapy in Montclair, NJ – One-on-one support for managing stress, anxiety, and personal growth.
Couples Therapy in Montclair, NJ – Strengthening communication and emotional connection.
Marriage Counseling in Montclair, NJ in Montclair, NJ – Restoring understanding and intimacy in relationships.
Family Therapy in Montclair, NJ in Montclair, NJ – Building harmony and healthy dynamics within families.
Online Therapy in Montclair, NJ in Montclair, NJ – Convenient and secure virtual sessions for clients in NJ, NC, FL, and UT.
In-Person Therapy in Montclair, NJ – Available by appointment at our Montclair, NJ office.

Myths vs. Facts About Election Anxiety

Myth: “If I’m anxious about the election, I must be extremely politically active.”
Fact: You can experience election-anxiety even if you prefer to stay more private or moderate.
Myth: “Worrying about an election is just being ‘too much’—I should just shove it aside.”
Fact: Ignoring persistent anxiety often makes it worse; it’s valid to address it.
Myth: “One vote won’t matter—so what's the point?”
Fact: While outcomes are unpredictable, your vote is part of your voice and action. Feeling powerless can fuel anxiety.
Myth: “If I don’t get it together before the election, therapy won’t help until after.”
Fact: Therapy works now to help manage your response, not just react later.

A Therapist’s Perspective on Election Stress and the Nervous System

The anxiety people feel around the election is not just emotional; it’s also physical. When we face uncertainty, conflict, or fear about the future, the brain triggers the body’s fight, flight, or freeze response.
This natural reaction increases heart rate, tightens muscles, and causes racing or worry-based thoughts.
During times of political stress, like the current governor’s race, the nervous system can stay active for long periods. Constant exposure to stressful news or arguments keeps the body on alert, even when there’s no real danger.
When the body stays in this heightened state, symptoms like fatigue, irritability, tension, or trouble focusing can appear.
For people directly impacted by policy discussions such as immigrants, educators, healthcare workers, or marginalized groups, stress levels can feel even higher. Feeling unseen, unsafe, or powerless may bring up past emotional pain or increase anxiety.
Therapy helps calm the mind and body. Through deep breathing, mindfulness, and reframing negative thoughts, clients can regulate their nervous system and separate fear from fact.
Working with a therapist provides a safe space to focus on what you can control, find emotional stability, and reconnect with your values even when the world feels unpredictable.

Book therapy for Anxiety in Montclair, NJ or Online

If you’re in New Jersey, North Carolina, Florida, or Utah and feeling anxious about the upcoming election or current events, our team at Mountains Therapy is here to support you.