Got Election Stress?
If you’re feeling stressed about the upcoming US presidential election, you’re not alone. Below, find tips and resources to help you care for your mental health during this time.
Focus On What You Can Control
While you can’t control the election results, you can control your part in them. Voting is one way you can make a difference. Your voice matters! Make sure you’re registered to vote, know your polling location, and have a voting plan. Are you going with friends? Casting your vote before work? However you’re voting in this election, create a plan for the day so you know what to expect.
If you want to have an even greater impact, you can take your involvement a step further and volunteer with an organization you care about. Think about the issues that matter to you the most and join a group that supports those causes.
Want to get involved with BARCC and support survivors of sexual violence? Join our upcoming Volunteer Info Session on November 6, the day after the election.
Identify Your Triggers
When you have some time, sit down and take a moment to identify your biggest sources of political stress. This could be anxiety around having political conversations with your family, concerns over new potential legislation, or fear over future world events. You may have seen in the news recently that some political and prominent figures have been using abusive tactics and language. There are also many things that are outside our control, so feeling triggered and traumatized is completely valid.
Try to notice when this stress occurs. Is it present when having difficult conversations, scrolling through social media or watching the news? Make a list of your top three triggers so you can be prepared when they come up in conversation, and so you know what to avoid if you’re already feeling anxious.
Practice Self-Care
It’s incredibly important to practice self-care this election season. Take time for yourself and do something you enjoy, like calling a friend, reading a book, practicing mindfulness, or taking a walk. Sometimes we can feel guilty when we take any time for ourselves, but know that self-care gives us the fuel to care for others and our community.
If you need some help, try exploring these short videos to discover some self-care and coping exercises from BARCC. If you need more immediate support, please don’t hesitate to give our 24/7 hotline a call at 800-841-8371 or reach out by chat at barcc.org/chat.
Gather Your Community
When feeling stressed, we can tend to isolate ourselves. If you are watching election news coverage, try inviting your friends over so that way you can process afterward together. If you can’t meet up in person, maybe start a group chat so you can text in real time.
It’s important to keep in mind that we likely will not know the outcome of the election by the morning of November 6. Prepare your expectations and energy for a marathon rather than a sprint. And after the election, it’s important to continue to lean on your support system. Engage with people and spaces that affirm your experience. Prioritize activities that feel impactful for you, whether it’s spending quality time with someone, joining a phone bank, or volunteering for a cause that matters to you.
Don’t hesitate to ask for help. Reach out to a mentor, friend, or mental health professional to support you, especially if the stress you feel makes it difficult to manage other aspects of your daily life. If you need more immediate support, please don’t hesitate to give our 24/7 hotline a call at 800-841-8371 or reach out by chat at barcc.org/chat.
Avoid the “Doom Scroll”
Social media is a great way to stay up to date on events, but it can also be incredibly overwhelming. Turning off your phone or getting off social media for a bit can help filter out the noise as you take time to process information for yourself.
You can also turn off push notifications for a bit, that way you’re in control of when alerts come your way. Instead of the constant updates, you can designate a time of day to check in on your sources.
