Understanding Election Anxiety: What Is It, Why It Happens, And What You Can Do

No matter where you fall on the political spectrum, there is a high likelihood you are not a fan of election season. In fact, of American adults polled in one Pew Research study, a whopping 65% of people described feeling “always or often exhausted” when they think about politics. In that same study, 78% of people said they “rarely or never” would use the word “excited” to describe how they felt about politics. Yikes!

Enter, election anxiety. Election anxiety is stress or worry that arises during election season; this goes above the normal “exhaustion” American adults tend to feel. This type of anxiety often stems from the uncertainty and high stakes associated with elections, where the outcome could significantly impact individuals' lives, communities, and broader societal structures. 

Several factors contribute to election anxiety. The constant flow of news, social media debates, and conversations about the election can make it hard to escape the topic. The polarization of opinions and the potential for conflict, especially within personal relationships, can also amplify stress. Additionally, the feeling of a lack of control over the outcome, combined with the high stakes involved, can lead to a sense of helplessness, exacerbating anxiety.

So, what can you do to combat election anxiety? Read on for three tips from the holistic healers at Rise and Thrive Counseling! 

Tip 1: Take Action Within Your Control

One effective way to combat election anxiety is to focus on what you can control. Channeling your energy into proactive steps can reduce feelings of helplessness and increase a sense of empowerment.

• Volunteer for a campaign: Whether it's phone banking, canvassing, or helping with administrative tasks, getting involved can make you feel like you're making a difference.

• Donate to causes or candidates you believe in: Financial contributions, no matter how small, can support the efforts of campaigns or organizations aligned with your values.

• Engage in local politics: Attend town hall meetings, participate in community discussions, or join a local political group to stay informed and involved.

• Educate yourself on the issues: Understanding the policies and positions of candidates can help you feel more confident in your choices.

• Vote early or by mail: Taking care of your voting responsibilities early can alleviate some of the stress associated with election day.
  

Tip 2: Limit Exposure to News

Reducing your intake of news and social media can help manage anxiety levels. While staying informed is important, constant exposure to political content can be overwhelming.

• Set specific times to check the news: Instead of checking constantly, dedicate a couple of times each day to catch up on important updates.

• Unfollow or mute accounts that trigger stress: On social media, curate your feed to include more positive or neutral content.

• Engage in non-political activities: Balance your media consumption with activities that relax you, such as reading, hobbies, or exercise.

• Turn off push notifications: Disable notifications from news apps to prevent constant interruptions and stress.

• Watch or listen to balanced news sources: Choose news outlets that provide balanced perspectives to avoid sensationalism and fear-mongering.
  

Tip 3: Set Boundaries with Family and Friends

Setting boundaries around political discussions with loved ones can help preserve your mental health and maintain relationships.

• Communicate your limits clearly: Let friends and family know if you're not comfortable discussing politics and suggest other topics of conversation.

• Respect others' boundaries: Understand that others may also need space from political discussions and be mindful of their limits.

• Change the subject when needed: If a conversation becomes too heated or stressful, steer it toward a less divisive topic.

• Take a break from certain relationships if necessary: It's okay to temporarily distance yourself from people who consistently bring up stressful political topics.

• Seek support from like-minded individuals: Surround yourself with people who share your views or understand your need to avoid political discussions.
  

If you want more holistic help, look no further than Rise and Thrive Counseling. Our holistic counselors can help address all areas of life. Reach out today to learn more. We look forward to hearing from you!