- Jonathan Alpert is a psychotherapist who practices in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States.
- Among his patients, he's seeing election-related anxiety tied to the race between Harris and Trump.
- Alpert told BI that some of his patients are backing Trump but are reluctant to tell others.
This as-told-to essay is based on conversations with Jonathan Alpert — a psychotherapist and the author of "Be Fearless: Change Your Life in 28 Days" — who is seeing an uptick in anxiety among his patients regarding the 2024 presidential election. Alpert is licensed to practice in New York, Washington, D.C., Connecticut, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, so some of his patients live in hotly-contested communities in the Philadelphia and Erie areas. This year, he's hearing a range of concerns from his patients regarding both Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. And even though Trump has been in the public eye as a politician for nearly a decade, Alpert said that some of patients remain "shy" Trump voters, or voters who are afraid to reveal that they're supporting the former president for myriad reasons.
This essay has been edited for length and clarity.
With this election there seems to be even more polarization than in years past, even more misinformation, and lots of uncertainty in our society. This uncertainty leads to instability and fear about the future, resulting in heightened anxiety over who is elected the next leader.
Furthermore, previous election controversies are leading to a lingering sense of unease. Many people feel that the election could lead to significant social upheaval or regression. There's also a contagion effect that cannot be ignored. Social circles, family dynamics, and online communities have created tribalism and a subsequent division in our society leading to more widespread feelings of anxiety.
Some patients 'aren't happy' about Harris' ascension or Trump's candidacy
Add into the mix the de facto nomination of Harris following [President] Joe Biden dropping out of the race. Many people, although they are Democrats, aren't happy about the way in which Harris became the nominee and have their reservations about voting for her. They talk to me about their lessening by the day confidence in her abilities to lead and are concerned about her lack of depth and substance when asked benign questions about her policies.
As for Trump, a significant source of peoples' anxiety around him stems from disbelief that someone they view as a bully could gain such popularity. We're not taught that meanness is a path to success, yet Trump's divisiveness resonates with many, suggesting a hunger for change. Whether loved or hated, Trump gives voice to many who feel unheard. This is what worked for him in 2016 and what he is aiming for in 2024.
'I'm seeing a lot of shy or closeted Trump voters'
These are people who have positive feelings towards Trump and favor his policies over those of Harris yet are not comfortable coming out with their choice to friends, family, or romantic partners. I see this play out in the lives of many of my patients.
For some, they talk about assumptions made by others about their political affiliation. One patient talked to me about how everyone in her cooking class just assumes she is a liberal and hates Trump. In fact, she is not a liberal and doesn't hate Trump. She supports him. She sits in silence as the rest of the class bitches about Trump.
Another patient talked about how he can't discuss with friends his frustration about the student-loan forgiveness program that he feels he shouldn't support since he didn't go to college. Any attempt he makes at having a reasonable conversation about this is quickly shot down and he is labeled a "MAGA Republican." Truth is, he's a moderate Republican and works two jobs to make ends meet to support his family.
There are many similar stories I've heard over the past few months. The result: These folks are overwhelmingly keeping quiet about their political beliefs and voting plans for the upcoming election and are closeted Trump supporters.
What drives the 'shy' Trump voter phenomenon?
For some, publicly supporting Trump could invite criticism or ostracism from friends, family, or colleagues who hold opposing views. These people fear judgment or social consequences, and this leads them to conceal their political beliefs.
For many people, their political beliefs are often tied to personal identity. For closeted Trump supporters, maintaining a positive social image or protecting their personal and professional relationships can be a stronger motivator than expressing their true beliefs. People may feel torn between their personal beliefs and the need to conform to social norms or expectations.
But by keeping political beliefs hidden, it can affect personal relationships. This secrecy can lead to a lack of genuine communication and potentially strain relationships with those who might be surprised or bothered if they discover their true beliefs later.
A need to stop 'unhealthy thinking'
My hope is that we can get to a place where Democrats and Republicans can be friends again and enjoy a dinner together despite their political differences. There was once a time when politicians duked it out in the halls of Congress but could leave it there.
Many people yearn for the days of old such as when politicians like [ Sen.] John McCain and Biden — who had entirely different political ideas — were friends. People are longing for a time when being on different sides of the political aisle doesn't preclude you from being friends with someone. Demonizing someone just because they're from the opposing party is about as senseless and unhealthy as thinking "all white people are privileged" or "all cops are bad." Statements such as these only add to the poisonous well of unhealthy thinking and anxiety that is so abundant in our society.