Politics isn't just about lawn signs and screaming matches on cable news. It’s deeper. For some, a ballot isn't just a choice—it’s a lifeline. When the results roll in and the map turns a color you didn't want, the fallout can be more than just "bummed out" or "annoyed." We’re talking about a genuine, measurable shift in public health. Specifically, the terrifying question of whether suicide rates after elections actually spike or if that’s just another piece of internet lore designed to make us feel more divided.
Honestly, the data is weird. It doesn't always do what you think it’ll do.
The "Hope and Despair" Paradox
You might assume that if your candidate loses, your mental health takes a noseive and the risk goes up. Logic says: "I lost, I’m miserable, I’m at risk." But researchers like Classen and Dunn actually found something called the "Politics of Hope and Despair." In a study looking at decades of U.S. presidential data, they noticed something counterintuitive.
In the actual year of a presidential election, states that supported the eventual loser often saw a slight decrease in suicide rates compared to what was expected. Why? Because of social integration. Basically, when you’re part of a losing tribe, you’re still part of a tribe. You have a common enemy. You’re talking to neighbors, going to rallies, and feeling like you’re "in the fight" together. Emile Durkheim, the grandfather of sociology, argued way back in 1897 that being "plugged in" to a community—even a losing one—protects people from the isolation that leads to suicide.
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When the Dust Settles
But that protective "we’re in this together" shield has an expiration date. Once the election is over and the 24-hour news cycle moves on to the next scandal, that sense of community can evaporate. That’s when the danger kicks in.
Recent data from groups like The Trevor Project shows that the immediate aftermath of an election is a massive pressure cooker for specific groups. On November 6, 2024, the day after the U.S. election, The Trevor Project reported a 700% increase in crisis contact volume. People weren't just calling to complain about taxes; they were calling because they felt their very existence was being legislated away.
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- LGBTQ+ Youth: 90% reported their well-being was negatively impacted by recent politics.
- Marginalized Communities: When policy changes threaten healthcare or legal protections, "political stress" isn't a metaphor. It’s a survival issue.
- The "Middle-Aged" Spike: Interestingly, AFSP data shows that the highest suicide rates in recent election years (2008, 2012, 2016) weren't among college kids—they were among adults aged 45 to 54.
The Red State vs. Blue State Health Gap
There is a growing, uncomfortable reality in American health: where you live—and how that place votes—predicts how long you live. A massive study published in The BMJ tracked mortality rates from 2001 to 2019. It found that the gap in death rates between Democratic and Republican counties increased sixfold over those two decades.
The researchers pointed to "deaths of despair," which includes suicide, as a major driver.
In rural Republican counties, suicide rates remained higher and improved much more slowly than in urban Democratic ones. It’s not necessarily that "Republicanism" causes suicide—that’s a lazy take. It’s that the policies often associated with those regions (less expansion of Medicaid, fewer mental health resources, higher firearm ownership) create an environment where a mental health crisis is more likely to turn fatal.
Why the "Winner" Doesn't Always Feel Better
You'd think the winners would be on a permanent high. Not really. While the "losing" side deals with despair, the "winning" side often deals with a different kind of letdown: unmet expectations.
In the UK, after the Brexit referendum, researchers looked at subjective well-being. People who got exactly what they voted for saw a temporary "victory high," followed by a significant crash when they realized the "win" didn't solve their personal problems. This is the "Post-Election Hangover." When the politician you put all your faith in doesn't magically fix your life, the resulting vacuum can be dangerous for people already struggling with clinical depression.
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How to Actually Handle the Fallout
If you’re feeling like the world is ending because of an election result, you’ve gotta realize that your brain is being hijacked by a "doom-loop."
- The 48-Hour News Blackout: Seriously. If you’re at the point of ideation, knowing the latest cabinet pick or poll won't help. Turn it off. Your nervous system needs a reset, not a refresh.
- Find the Local Micro-Community: Remember Durkheim? The protection comes from the local level. Don't worry about the nation. Worry about your bowling league, your church, or your local volunteer group.
- Audit Your Social Media: Algorithms are designed to keep you angry because anger keeps you scrolling. If your feed is making you feel like your life isn't worth living, the feed is the problem, not the world.
- Professional Intervention: If the election results have triggered a "this is the end" feeling, that's often a sign of a pre-existing condition being exacerbated by external stress. It’s not "just politics." It’s health.
Moving Forward
We need to stop treating suicide rates after elections as a political talking point and start treating it as a public health crisis. The "despair gap" is real. If you’re struggling, or if someone you know has gone quiet after a political shift, reach out. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline isn't just for "traditional" crises—it’s for anyone whose world feels like it’s collapsing, for any reason.
Next Steps for You:
Check in on one friend today who you know was deeply invested in the election and hasn't posted or texted in a few days. Don't talk politics. Just ask if they want to grab a coffee or go for a walk. Breaking the isolation is the single most effective way to counter the "electoral despair" cycle. If you are the one struggling, call or text 988 immediately. Your life is worth more than a four-year term.