This year’s presidential election has been fraught with headline-grabbing historical events, ranging from former President Donald Trump’s attempted assassination and the Republican National Convention to President Joe Biden dropping out of the race and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris for the nomination. As election topics continue to dominate breaking news and permeate social media, broadcast, print and radio news, as well as word-of-mouth, the non-stop exposure to the subject may cause Americans to experience anxiety, stress and fear.
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If you are one of countless Americans experiencing election-derived stress, you’re not alone. According to a poll conducted by the American Psychiatric Association, 73% of respondents said they’re feeling anxious about this year’s presidential election. To manage and prevent one’s mental health from suffering during this election, here are some healthy, easy-to-implement tips:
Acknowledge Your Feelings
It’s completely normal to have feelings of fear, anxiety, and stress during times of global or national upheaval. Be cognizant of the timing for when these feelings arise and if your internet or media habits are contributing to these emotions. Ask yourself, “Have I spent too much time on social media or watching the news?” It is also important to have empathy for oneself, acknowledging your emotions occurring because of election stress as being valid.
Stay Socially Connected
Remember to take regular breaks from your screen and interact with those you love. Human connection is a great way to ground yourself in the moment and reduce feelings of anxiety or dread. Grab coffee with a close friend, call a family member, or take part in an activity that allows you to foster a sense of connection, like joining a book club or attending a group fitness class.
Take a Break from Constant Media Consumption
If you have noticed that your anxiety correlates with how much time you spend on social media or watching the news, take an intentional break and limit your screen time. You don’t have to fully disconnect from the news cycle, but taking a break from constant consumption can ease the mind and refocus on the present.
Talk to a Mental Health Professional
Anyone can benefit from talking to a mental health professional. Here at Cornerstone Healing Center, Arizona’s premier mental health treatment center, we have various treatment options for patients to receive the care they need. Recently, we launched a virtual intensive outpatient program where patients can receive treatment from the comfort and convenience of their own home. Everyone’s needs are different, so be sure to talk to a mental health professional about what type of treatment may be right for you, from a support group to 1:1 therapy, there is something for everyone.
Election anxiety affects many of us. Make sure you’re taking care of yourself and your emotional wellbeing during this time by applying these practices to your everyday life, or by talking to a trusted mental health professional. For more information, please visit cornerstonehealingcenter.com/virtual-iop.
Author: Nathaniel P. Bush, LCSW and Clinical Director Phoenix OTC at Cornerstone Healing Center. Since its inception in 2017, Cornerstone Healing Center has established a reputation as Arizona’s premier mental health and substance abuse treatment center. With multiple state-of-the-art treatment facilities in Scottsdale and Phoenix and 8 different addiction and mental health programs with customizable treatment plans, Cornerstone Healing Center is a leader in both addiction recovery and mental health. To learn more, please visit https://cornerstonehealingcenter.com/.
