Managing Election- Related Stress and Anxiety
Interest in the upcoming election is very high and millions of Americans are eager to vote or have voted in early voting processes. Nevertheless, feelings of fatigue and frustration are common during a national election season, and some people have difficulty managing these feelings. Especially during the coronavirus pandemic. This information may help!
Election-related stress can trigger feelings of fear, anger, anxiety, and loss. These feelings worsen with prolonging election-related discussions, 24/7 news stories, and social media conversations and videos. Here are some tips to help you manage these election-related feelings:
- Limit consumption of election-related media- While it is important to keep updated on election-related news, be mindful of how much information you consume. This can increase feelings of frustration and anxiety. Be selective, and take a break.
- Limit conversations that may lead to distressing election-related topics- Try to limit conversations about the election. These can escalate into arguments. Arguing about the election will not change the outcome but may increase your personal distress.
- Focus on things you can control about the election- A sense of control helps people feel less anxious and stressed. Focusing on things we can’t control creates anxiety and stress. You cannot control the outcome of the election. Worrying about the election’s outcome may only worsen your symptoms. Instead, focus on the things you can control. Like registering to vote, encouraging others to vote and making plans about how to vote- by mail (a safer and popular option during the Covid-19 pandemic), or by early voting or by voting in-person on election day. Check with your employer about their policy around employee time off to vote.
- Control your thoughts- What we think and tell ourselves influences our feelings. Keeping our perspective helps manage distressing feelings.
- Finally, Vote- Voting is your right as a citizen. It is something you can directly control. By exercising your right to vote, you can gain some sense of control..
Here are some additional tips to consider while voting during the Covid-19 Pandemic:
- Choose the correct voting method- In most locations, you can choose to vote by mail, to vote early, or vote in-person at your polling station on election day. If you plan to vote safely in-person on election day, reduce your stress by planning for potential crowds, delays and long lines..
- Wear a Mask- Using a mask that covers our nose and mouth significantly helps prevent the spread of Covid-19 by limiting respiratory droplets that may carry the coronavirus according to CDC guidance.
- Practice correct handwashing and sanitizing when voting. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. When handwashing is unavailable, use an alcohol-based sanitizer of 60 percent or more to sanitize your hands.
- Practice Social Distancing- You should always allow a minimum of six feet between yourself and other voters. And if you are sick with Covid-19 on election day, please stay home.
Photo by Element5 Digital from Pexels
Additional Resources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
Sources:
American Psychological Association (2016) APA Survey Reveals 2016 Presidential Election Source of Significant Stress for More Than Half of Americans. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/triggered/202009/suffering-election-anxiety
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2019) Considerations for Election Polling Locations and Voters. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/election-polling-locations.html
Cleveland Clinic (2020) Stressed About the Elections? 5 Tips to Get You Through Retrieved from
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/stressed-about-the-elections-5-tips-to-get-you-through
SHRM.org (2020) 10 Ways to Help Employees Vote. Retrieved from https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/hr-topics/employee-relations/pages/help-employees-vote.aspx
