Chances are good that if you watch television, listen to the radio, or read news posts online, you’ve been subjected to a lot of information about the upcoming elections. Not just for the presidency, but also about all of the local candidates who are running for various offices.
Is it getting to you? Is something about the 2024 election giving you anxiety or stress? That’s totally understandable. But in order to help you manage those feelings, you need to identify what it is about what’s happening that is causing you to feel anxious or strained:
- Is it because you can’t decide which candidates have your best interests in mind and you don’t know who to vote for?
- Is it because you are tired of the constant barrage of messages you’re being exposed to through television ads?
- Is it because you already have a candidate in mind and you’re not happy with campaigns that the opposition is targeting against who you want to vote for (us versus them)?
- Is it because you are worried about how your life will move forward after the election?
- Is it the issues and where candidates stand on them?
Tips To Help
With all the things happening around the election it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed. But the good news is that there are a few things you can keep in mind and practice if you don’t want all of this mess living in your head.
- Understand that you are not alone. According to the most recent annual mental health poll conducted by the American Psychiatric Association, 43 percent of adults say they feel more anxious in 2024 than they did in 2023, which is up from 37 percent last year and 32 percent from 2022. According to the poll, adults are particularly anxious about current events (70 percent), including the economy (77 percent), the 2024 U.S. election (73 percent), and gun violence (69 percent).
- Limit your exposure to campaign ads and news about candidates. While it is good to be informed about the candidates and where they stand on the issues that are important to you, too much information can be mind-boggling, especially if you are having trouble discerning what is true and what is not. If you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed, walk away from it for a bit to clear your mind. Also, try to avoid getting involved in online discussions with faceless people you don’t know. Some people will post untrue thoughts online about one candidate or another just to see how it gets people riled up. Don’t fall into that trap.
- Take action. If you are eligible to vote, be sure to register to be able to do so, then cast your ballot when you have every opportunity. You can even register the day of an election if you know where your designated polling area is. Before you go to vote, be sure to make a voting plan first. If you feel like you want to do more to push the agenda of your candidate(s), you can volunteer at a campaign headquarters or get involved with non-partisan activities such as getting people to register to vote. You can also attend meetings and rallies to be around other people who support the people you want to vote for. Being around others who feel the same way can be a very positive support group.
- Respect other peoples’ choices. Everyone has their own point of view, so if a friend, coworker, or family member is opting to vote for a different candidate than you want to vote for, feel free to have a civil discussion about it so you each have a chance to voice your point of view. Remember that it’s okay to disagree though and that personal relationships are built on more than just political views. It’s also important to remember that it’s okay to kindly end a conversation.
- Stay healthy. Stress is a normal part of the world we live in. To better manage anxiety, make sure you are eating a proper diet, getting plenty of sleep, and exercising. Even just going for a 20-minute walk can help ease your mind because it will give you some “unplugged” time to think things through. You may also want to take a look at our blog post, “14 Questions to Determine Your Health and Well-Being” to see if there are other things you can do for yourself.
Need Assistance?
If you are already feeling the effects of stress, anxiety, or uncertainty about the future, there are some options that can help get you realigned. For one thing, you can practice deep breathing techniques that will help you concentrate on your own well-being versus what’s going on in the world around you. Meditation or yoga can also help take the focus off stressors, making one more mindful and aware of the present.
Counseling can also be helpful. The support of an impartial person who will listen and make tailored suggestions on how to improve your mental health can be advantageous for a short-time duration or longer-term. Often, employers offer counseling through an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or through health insurance. NVFS also offers linguistically and culturally sensitive mental health services.
Stay The Course
After the election is over, try not to get overly distraught if your candidate does not get elected. Remember to stay in the moment because it’s important to keep in mind that we don’t know what the future will bring, so try to stay concentrated on the things you can control. But remain cognizant of your thoughts and feelings and reach out for help if/when you feel you need it. Don’t let negative feelings continue to grow.
