5 Ways to Manage Election Stress and Protect Your Mental Health
Are you melting down after watching last week’s presidential debate? You’re not alone. Election stress is real. Studies show that election time raises stress levels across the nation, no matter who you’re voting for. “We’re seeing that it doesn’t matter whether you’re registered as a Democrat or Republican—US adults say they are experiencing significant stress from the current election,” shares Lynn Bufka, the APA’s associate executive director for practice research and policy.
It’s only July, so it’s important to find sustainable practices that can support you through to November (and then to January). Try these 5 strategies when election stress is overwhelming:
Know that your response is natural.
Elections cause uncertainty — and uncertainty causes stress. It’s so hard not to know what our country will look like in a matter of months. It’s scary to have rights and safety on the line. It’s completely understandable to feel stressed and overwhelmed when you’re trying to get a handle on the 24-hour news cycle and imagining the different possibilities. So, our first piece of advice is: accept that this is hard. And that’s not because you’re doing it wrong! It’s because elections are a naturally stressful time for many people.
Determine what’s in (and out of) your control.
If you can vote, vote! That’s one concrete way to make a difference in this election. And vote locally — the more connected you are to your community politics, the more likely you are to truly make a difference. On the other hand, recognizing what’s out of your control can help, too. You can’t change these debates. You don’t get to decide who wins. There’s a lot that’s out of your hands. (And stressing more doesn’t change that one bit.)
Do something in line with your values.
For those stressors that you can’t change, turn your energy to actions that matter–the activities that line up with your values. Go for a walk in nature. Spend time with your family and friends. Give service to a community you care about. Make something instead of buying it. Help a neighbor. Water your plants. Exercise your body. Learn something new.
Take media breaks.
Are you doomscrolling in bed? Scrolling through one stressful headline after the next? You might be reading the news to be a more educated and aware citizen (which is great!), but the effects of being constantly plugged-in can wear on you over time. We recommend setting limits when it comes to reading or watching election news. That could mean checking in once a day, watching only the highlight reel, or taking a few days off a week to let your mind rest. (Again, missing a few headlines won’t change the things that are out of our control.)
Turn to your Wave mental health coach for support.
Wave’s mental health coaches have deep expertise in supporting people through stressful times. They can help you find the specific strategies that work for you this election season. Next time you pick up your phone feeling anxious about the election, don’t re-read the latest stressful headlines — message your Wave coach and set up a time to chat.