7 Steps to Manage Election Anxiety

​With a little less than two weeks to the 2016 Election Day, many of us are experiencing what some have labeled Electoral Anxiety.  Almost on a daily basis, we hear explosive and attention grabbing news about both candidates and their campaigns. We are exposed to political ads and commentaries that often provoke emotionally charged reactions, about the candidates and their supporters, our future and the future of our country. Some people have found themselves yelling at the TV set or the computer screen as they react to a debate comment or a news-anchor’s statement. Others, overcame by indignation have been involved in heated political debates with friends and relatives often resulting in strained relationships and severed communication.
Angrily reacting to news about government corruption and unlawful proceedings on behalf of Hillary Clinton, many Americans have become doubtful and mistrusting of her as many others have been alarmed by Trump’s volatility and his alleged treatment of women.  A common denominator for both camps:  those who prefer Trump and fear Clinton as well as those who are doubtful of Trump and side with Clinton, all seem to have adopted an apocalyptic view of what’s to come if the candidate they have embraced were not elected president on November 8th.  This catastrophic view, commonly present in anxiety, is what’s at the core of a heightened state of unease throughout our country, and is what is affecting many of our daily interactions, and relationships. It seems to be keeping Americans on edge at work, at school and at home.
Anxiety and anger are usually triggered by perceptions of environmental threats and lack of control, and they are reinforced by catastrophic and/or dichotomous (black-and-white) thinking about the situations we face. Because this heighten level of tension leads to a hindered ability to rationally and effectively solve problems and if prolonged, it can have detrimental consequences for our health, it is recommendable that we take steps toward counteracting it and alleviating its effects. Some of the steps below may help with doing this:

1. Take control of what you can by voting your conscience, if possible through early voting, and by liming your exposure to political and election related news.
2. Find points of connection with others by focusing on values and issues rather than on the candidates or their campaigns.
3.  Be respectful about differing views and avoid personalizing them.
4.  Set boundaries with coworkers, classmates, friends and relatives to reflect your level of comfort or discomfort, discussing political or election related issues.  It’s ok to establish a “ban on political debates” with them.
5. Monitor your thinking, and challenge catastrophic and dichotomous thoughts (“the world will end on November 9th if my candidate does not win”) and consider more rational thoughts (“many things can change, but many will stay the same”, “we will get another “go-at-it” in 4 years”).
6. Adopt a mindful approach and spend time away from TV, preferably doing outdoor activities and focusing on your immediate surroundings.
7. Establish a balanced life-style that includes learning, working, entertaining, socializing, and spiritual nurturing.  

Remember while stress is a normal part of our existences, a prolonged experience of stress can lead to negative psychosocial and physical consequences. If you feel that anxiety is present more often than not in your life and it is interfering with your daily functioning, it may be recommendable that you seek the help of a mental health professional. 

---