May 20, 2025
Researcher and Writer: Tobey Calayo
Editor: K Ballesteros
Moderator: Tobey Calayo
Creatives: Richardson Mojica
The 2025 Philippine midterm elections brought with them renewed waves of emotional intensity, civic participation, and, for many, profound psychological strain. In a country where politics is deeply personal, electoral outcomes often carry consequences that extend far beyond policy— shaping identity, relationships, and hope for national progress.
The 2025 Philippine midterm election was not just a civic duty; for many citizens, especially the youth, it became an emotionally charged experience tied to national identity, social justice, and personal values. Civic engagement—whether through voting, volunteering, or advocacy—requires significant time, effort, and emotional investment. The psychological aftermath can be distressing when the election results do not align with the hopes and aspirations people have committed themselves to. This phenomenon is not unique to the Philippines; post-election emotional fatigue and anxiety have been widely observed in various contexts. These feelings often manifest as symptoms such as insomnia, low mood, social withdrawal, and physical tension [1], [2].
Filipino youth are particularly familiar with such reactions. After the 2022 elections, many experienced symptoms of event-related psychological distress. This response is characterized by emotional dysregulation, fatigue, and grief linked to perceived losses of ideals and democratic expectations. The stark contrast between the massive campaign mobilizations and the final electoral outcome led some individuals to feel betrayed, disbelieving, and helpless. These emotional responses were not solely due to a candidate’s loss; they represented feelings of erasure related to community efforts and a failure to achieve moral or historical accountability [3].
Elections reveal and exacerbate sociopolitical divides. The 2025 midterm elections, widely reported, marked a significant consolidation of power among political dynasties and allies of incumbents, raising concerns about democratic backsliding and institutional trust. Post-election disappointment becomes a collective emotional experience, leading to a breakdown of social trust, especially when outcomes are seen as reinforcing inequality [4], [5], [6].
This grief intersects with social disconnection, particularly in the Philippines, where reports from 2022 and 2025 highlight interpersonal strain among family members and communities. Youth advocating for progressive causes often faced ridicule or pressure to conform. If unaddressed, these conflicts can heighten feelings of isolation and political burnout. Nonetheless, the response of Filipino mental health professionals after the 2022 elections, offering free listening sessions and psychological support, demonstrates how shared grief can foster solidarity and healing [3].
Post-election recovery involves more than just resting; it requires intentionally reorganizing our emotional, mental, and social energies. Experts recommend various strategies, such as limiting exposure to political media, practicing mindfulness, and reestablishing daily routines. These approaches are particularly important for individuals who feel a lingering sense of disillusionment or distress. Psychological research indicates that without structured recovery, high-stakes political events can lead to longer-term issues, such as depression or post-traumatic stress symptoms, especially among youth, first-time voters, and advocacy volunteers.
However, reconnection does not necessarily mean disengagement. Political recovery can also occur through sustained civic involvement in smaller, more manageable forms of action—such as participating in community forums, volunteering, or engaging in institutional advocacy. Several authors argue that elections are just snapshots of democracy and do not represent its complete expression. A community’s political imagination need not be limited by electoral outcomes. By nurturing our mental health alongside civic responsibility, we can better endure the cycles of politics and actively shape them with clarity, determination, and care.
You may use the following ways to take care of your mental health post-elections:
- Set healthy boundaries with news and social media
- Limit your exposure to political content that overwhelms or reactivates distress.
- Reclaim daily routines
- Returning to simple structures like regular sleep, meals, and movement can help restore balance.
- Process your emotions intentionally
- Use journaling, quiet reflection, or conversations with trusted people to acknowledge what you’re feeling.
- Engage in small, meaningful acts of civic participation
- Volunteer locally, join discussions, or support advocacy in ways that feel sustainable for you.
- Rest without guilt
- Recovery is not withdrawal. Taking time to breathe and recharge is an act of care, not disengagement.
Session Questions:
- How are you feeling emotionally and mentally after the 2025 midterm elections? What thoughts are staying with you?
- How have the elections impacted your relationships or sense of connection with your community, both online and offline?
- What can be done to better protect and support the mental health of voters, advocates, and campaigners in future elections?
