Election anxiety
Are you feeling stressed out about the 2024 election?
As election day approaches you might be noticing an increase in stress - tension in your body, irritability, worrying thoughts and difficulty focusing.
Stress that lasts over the course of weeks or months is considered chronic. News about the election, political disagreements with family and friends and voting day right around the corner can all be leading to physiological symptoms of anxiety due to triggering stress hormones. 73% of surveyed adults from the annual APA mental health poll are feeling specifically anxious about the 2024 U.S. election.
How to cope with election uncertainty and negativity? Here are 3 strategies to reduce that inner alarm system.
First, start by avoiding the 24-hour news cycle. Select your few reliable news sources and mediums and limit the amount of minutes or hours you are spending staying informed about the electoral race. Nobody feels good when they are bombarded by broadcasts all day long that can be negative or catastrophisizing in nature.
Second, mentally prepare for either candidate to win. Imagine whether you might need some space to process the outcome or a friend to celebrate with. Maybe you need to take a moment to reflect on what you might say to a loved one you have had political disagreements with. Feeling a sense of preparation regardless of the outcome can reduce feelings of nervousness and anticipation about the future.
Lastly, stop judging yourself. It is normal to have feelings about how the future will unfold in this U.S. election. It shows that you care about important issues that can influence our country. Many Americans are eager to know who will be our next president and you’re not alone in experiencing worrying thoughts in the days leading up to the election. Now might be a good time to check in with that friend who can understand your emotional stress and offer you support.
Be mindful about how you talk to yourself when it is normal to have a reaction to what goes on in the news politically.
Some may choose to attend watch parties while others may choose to tune out and wake up to a new president. No matter how you choose head into election day, know that you are not alone in feeling the weight of the 2024 U.S. Election. It is important to check in and ask yourself where and how you are experiencing stress so you can start to address it.
