When politics hurt: Inside post-election depression

Former Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi recently admitted that losing an election left him deeply unsettled, a feeling many politicians rarely speak about.

“It is true that I was very unhappy when I lost elections. I thought I would win. Actually, every politician thinks they are going to win. They are very surprised when they lose, and then you have no plan B. You are left totally lost,” Murungi said while announcing his retirement from active politics.

His words offer a rare glimpse into post-election depression, an issue the veteran politician acknowledges has received little attention, even in academic research.

First elected to Parliament in 1992, Murungi has held several high-profile positions, including Cabinet Minister during former President Mwai Kibaki’s administration.

He later served as Meru Senator in 2013 before winning the governorship in 2017. His political career suffered a major blow in 2022 when he lost the seat to Governor Kawira Mwangaza.

Post-election stress refers to anxiety marked by feelings of hopelessness or dread following a critical election outcome. While it is not classified as a mental illness in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, experts say it is a common reaction to modern elections.

Those with little interest in politics may not experience it. However, the condition is often linked to high political polarization, where personal identity becomes closely tied to political beliefs. As a result, election outcomes can feel deeply personal.

Some individuals struggle with disappointment over defeat, while others worry about what the results may mean for laws, governance, and the country’s future.

Mulle Musau, an official from the Election Observation Group (ELOG), says elections carry immense emotional weight.

“Elections are activities with very high expectations. People invest a lot of hope and emotion in them,” Musau explains.

He notes that because elections occur only once every five years, many people emotionally prepare for them over long periods.

“There is a lot of anxiety, and the outcomes have the potential to either bring great happiness or cause serious distress, depending on the results,” he adds.

According to Musau, the effects cut across society, affecting voters, politicians, and even election managers, especially when people feel the process failed to meet expectations.

“We operate in a zero-sum political system where the winner takes all and the loser loses everything. It is a very high-stakes game,” he says.

Musau points out that some candidates sell property, take bank loans, or impoverish their families in pursuit of elective office.

“When they fail to achieve what they expected, many fall into very serious emotional distress,” he adds.

Managing post-election anxiety

Experts say post-election anxiety can be managed. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, healthy coping strategies include limiting exposure to political news, engaging in activities unrelated to politics, exercising, spending time with loved ones, and drawing strength from spiritual or faith traditions.

People are also advised to be mindful of the amount and type of political content they consume, prioritising fact-based and reputable sources over emotionally charged social media platforms.

Learning to accept differing opinions can also help. Anticipating disagreement rather than assuming shared views can reduce frustration and emotional exhaustion.

Mental health experts further recommend mindfulness, noting that post-election anxiety is often driven by fears about the future.

They stress that while concerns may feel valid, what matters most is how individuals respond to those thoughts, rather than whether the fears eventually come true.