The Sad Citizen: How Politics Is Depressing and Why It Matters

Ojeda’s (political science, Univ. of California, Merced) work explores the intersection of democracy and mental health and the impact of the former upon the latter, arguing that politics often leaves people feeling depressed. Using a stress-appraisal-coping framework, he examines how political loss—whether through unfulfilled preferences, policy setbacks, or failed activism—creates a sense of powerlessness that discourages participation and disproportionately affects marginalized groups. He highlights how politics systematically generates feelings of irrevocable loss, making it difficult for individuals to see a path forward. Unlike anger or anxiety, which can mobilize action, depression often fosters withdrawal. Ojeda presents compelling evidence that politics is not only depressing but also demobilizing and suggests that depression should be considered a key factor in assessing the health of a democracy. While the book stops short of prescribing solutions, Ojeda acknowledges that sadness and disappointment can sometimes serve a purpose, prompting reflection and reassessment. The goal, he argues, is not a politics free of depression but one free of disruption. Balancing rigorous analysis with accessible writing, Ojeda offers a fresh perspective on an overlooked issue in political science and psychology.