Did you know that a recent survey found that 52% of respondents feel their mental health has suffered due to this year’s presidential election?
Out of the younger respondents, 64% of Gen Zers and 57% of millennials reported a shift.
“Election stress disorder” is how professionals are starting to refer to the cluster of symptoms, which includes a loss of sleep, anxiety, irritability, and depression brought on by “the ongoing global pandemic, economic uncertainty, and social unrest we’re experiencing in 2020.”1
Now that election day has passed, we must wait patiently for all the votes to be counted.
Follow these tips if you’re looking for ways to take care of yourself during this process.
- Limit social media and news consumption – turn off any notifications for apps that might draw you in.
- Create a “solidarity” group chat – or make great use of yours if it’s already set up! Reach out to those that you know (or suspect) may be in the same boat and help make sure your crew feels connected during this time.
- Set boundaries around political conversation – now isn’t the time for anyone to try to change anyone else’s mind, so let’s keep convincing and persuasion out of the equation, at least for a week or two if you’ve been feeling election stress.
- Make a “Feel-Good Playlist” – any songs that lift your spirits or relax your mind will be helpful in relieving tension as you move through your day.
- Check in with your feelings – naming your emotions can help ground you in your body and can give you a greater sense of control in the moment.
- Channel your energy into productive tasks – mark at least two things off your to-do list and check back in to see how you are feeling after a little distraction. Exercise, chores, or simple, repetitive tasks that don’t require too much brain-power or critical thinking might help!
- Ask for help when you need it – speak with your primary care doctor or a mental health provider if you are interested in processing this stress with a professional.
https://www.healthline.com/health/cope-with-stress-before-and-after-election#naming-election-stress 1
https://hbr.org/2020/11/a-self-care-guide-to-help-you-get-through-election-day