Election Anxiety (& How to Cope)

November 3rd, 2020 is almost here. Are you feeling stress or anxiety about election day? Or about the aftermath of the election either way it goes? If so, you are so not alone.

I have heard from many clients, family members, and others who are feeling anxious about election day and the outcome of the election.

Politics and the government play a role in our lives, and when something affect us or holds weight for us, it makes sense to experience emotions around it.

This article from Headspace offers a good explanation of election anxiety, “election stress disorder,” and “post-election stress disorder” (terms created by psychologist Steven Stosny).

So, how can you cope with anxiety before and after the election?

Manage Stress & Anxiety

• Acknowledge the stress and / or anxiety you are experiencing and show yourself some compassion. Examples: “It’s okay to feel anxious about this.” “It makes sense that I feel this way.” “This feeling sucks, but it will pass eventually.”

• Express what you’re feeling! Through writing, talking, drawing, painting, dancing, singing, cooking, baking. Whatever works for you to get your thoughts and emotions out in healthy ways.

• Exercise, sleep, and eat a balanced diet. If you tend to eat less or find it difficult to cook when feeling stressed or anxious, consider having premade meals or easy things on hand to eat throughout election week.

• Meditate or otherwise utilize mindfulness or grounding techniques to help bring you to the present moment.

  • Headspace is offering a free election related meditation, as well as the stress and anxiety meditations available. You can also sign up here to participate in election day meditations led by Center for Mindful Self-Compassion.

• Set boundaries. Limit your media intake. Tell others when you don’t want to talk about politics. Set whatever boundaries you need to protect your mental / emotional health.

• Find support from trusted family or friends or from a mental health professional or support group.

  • Although our country can feel very divided, especially during an election year, there are ways to feel unified. It may take some effort, but you can find those people (or places) who can help you feel connected and safe. If you haven’t already, seek out those outlets over the next week.

Manage What You Can Control

• Vote! There is still time to drop off your ballot or vote in person on November 3rd.

• Limit your media intake!! (This one deserves to be listed twice). Constant news and social media feeds can be detrimental to our health.

• Maintain your regular daily routine.

• Focus on other things. If you have tried some of the above techniques and you still feel hyper-focused on the election, actively find other things to focus on, such as spending time with family and friends (and try not talking about anything election related!) or planning a fun day for the weekend.

Most importantly, take care of yourself.

Take care of yourself mentally, emotionally, and physically (spiritually, as well, if that applies for you).

Try the stress / anxiety management techniques listed above and use any other techniques that are helpful for you.