As the presidential election approaches, anxiety and stress are prevalent across the nation. Many, including Judith Martinez, a nonprofit founder in Los Angeles, equate the situation to an existential crisis. The uncertainty of life post-election keeps her awake at night. Ken Sheer, a Santa Monica-based real estate developer, fears for the future, worried that democracy itself is at stake. He isn't alone; a poll by the American Psychiatric Association reveals that 73% of Americans feel election-related stress. Meanwhile, the Pew Research Center notes that 65% of people feel drained by politics.
As a psychologist, I hear about election anxiety regularly, and I experience it too. The stress is understandable; the election outcome has significant implications, and we feel mostly out of control. With almost half the country potentially facing disappointment, it's crucial to manage stress effectively. Research shows that shifting our perspective on stress can alter its impact on us. According to James Gross at Stanford University, seeing stress as manageable rather than insurmountable helps transform it into a challenge rather than a threat.
Rather than catastrophizing about potential outcomes, engage in activities that empower and ground you. Invest time in relationships and hobbies, and take concrete actions to support causes you care about, like volunteering or donating. Emotions are not constant; they ebb and flow. Even though strong feelings like anxiety might seem unending, they change over time. We often misjudge the impact of these emotions on our future.
It's crucial to stay present-focused. Many of us allow our minds to wander and fixate on stressors. One simple grounding technique is to notice your surroundings, anchoring yourself in the physical world instead of dwelling mentally on hypothetical scenarios. Interacting kindly in real life, rather than through social media, can ease stress considerably. Face-to-face interactions build meaningful connections that can provide comfort during these times.
To communicate effectively about election issues without escalating tensions, drop any intent to convert others to your viewpoint. Emulate strategies from couples therapy focused on 'accurate disagreement,' where curiosity and understanding take precedence over criticism. Real-life connections are invaluable, offering hope even in politically charged climates. Lastly, balance is essential in your life approach. Stick to routines that support mental well-being, such as exercising, sleeping well, and consuming news mindfully.
Limiting exposure to relentless news is vital to prevent anxiety from spiraling. Embrace practices from dialectical behavior therapy that encourage acceptance and actionable change—manage stress by knowing emotions are fluid and focus on the present. Implement these strategies to cope with election stress, and remember you're not alone in this experience. Jenny Taitz, clinical psychologist, assistant clinical professor at UCLA, and author, shares these insights to help navigate the turbulent election season.
