Those of us in the USA and even those abroad whom I’ve spoken with are feeling election anxiety. The severe and diagnosable name would be “election stress disorder.”
So given that many of us are struggling to find sleep and that our country is so divided, I put together some tips on managing the anxiety of a tumultuous, contentious, and high-stakes election. Do everything you can to get sleep, because anxiety is always worse with little sleep.
1. Set Media Boundaries.
Pay attention to where you direct your attention. Some of the clutter and discussion might be unavoidable. But most of it is and you can have control over that. If you are watching a 24/7 cable news network on any station, do remember their job is to build ratings so sensationalism is part of their DNA. Limit news and social media, particularly on days when you are anxious about everything. Angry platforms and channels will only fuel your own. And remember the mute button on your remote for commercials and attack ads if you are in a swing state because you all are being bombarded with ads.
2. Focus on what you can control & positive actions you can take.
Can you write letters, canvas, or make phone calls? Can you drive people to the polls? If you need a ride to your polling place on Election Day, representatives from the two major political parties can assist you. Make sure you vote and allow your voice to be counted. That you can control.
First, acknowledge the feeling and then distract. Right now, I have one paperback book and one audiobook. Stories always carry me away offer a nice distraction and keep me from diving into political mayhem and drowning in it.
3. Find common ground.
A friend and I are on either side of the political spectrum. But we focus on our mission and our cause because that is where we are united. It’s OK not to talk about the election when the relationship means a lot to you. This season and the heightened interest won’t stay like this forever.
4. Remain curious.
This can curtail the demonizing tendency that we get when we look at the “other side.” Ask questions from a place of curiosity instead of accusation and listen. That means using your ears and allowing a person to feel heard even if it frustrates you.
5. Recognize you can like or love someone with different beliefs
Arguing your point of view will not sway someone else. Listening over time could quite possibly. But understand that many people come from so many different circumstances and where they stand likely has to do with connection and belonging as well as their past. Reflect on a time when you strongly believed in something only later to change your mind. Your views are a part of who you are, but they don’t define you.
If you try and push someone too hard, the other person will dig in their heels deeper. Or worse cause irreparable damage to your relationship. So set ground rules with this friend or loved one so there are boundaries, rules and guidelines. Set a phrase or gesture to signal a cooling off period and apologize if you get overheated.
6. Don’t take everything at face value.
Check sources, beware of bots from foreign governments that are out there to spark dissension, and make sure your information comes from a credible source (I truly believe this should be part of school curriculums. Finding information from credible sources able sources on the internet.) Use your mind to make up your mind because no one is supposed to be going in that voting booth with you.
You are under no obligation to disclose your voting preferences if you don’t want to. And it is against the law to have someone look over their shoulder and dictate your vote. If you see it happening, report it. If it is happening to you, someone from the elections office will usually step in.
AnneMoss Rogers is a leading wellness and suicide education expert and one of the top mental health speakers and suicide prevention speakers. Known for her powerful, motivational keynotes, AnneMoss combines her personal story of loss with proven strategies to help organizations build a wellness culture that drives results and saves lives. She speaks at conferences, workplaces, K-12 schools, and universities, delivering impactful presentations that inspire change and promote mental health awareness.
AnneMoss does this work in memory of her son, Charles, who struggled with anxiety, depression, and addiction, and died by suicide at age 20 in 2015.