Every 4 years, we're faced with a time of heightened emotions, intense debates, and an overwhelming amount of information. Whether you're deeply invested in politics, political outcomes, or just trying to get through the constant noise of news, the weeks leading up to an election can significantly affect mental health. Political discussions tend to become heated, social media feeds are filled with polarizing opinions, and it can feel like there's no escape from the stress.
During this blog post, we're going to explore how election season can impact your mental well-being, the importance of self-care during this time, and practical ways to stay grounded in the midst of it all.
Election Season's Impact on Mental Health
Election season can create an emotionally charged environment that affects people differently. Whether you're invested in following the news or simply trying to avoid it, the pervasive political discourse can take a toll on your mental health. Here a few ways we might see that manifest:
Increased Anxiety
One of the most common mental health impacts during election season is heightened anxiety. Anxiety is typically future-oriented, and the uncertainty of future outcomes, particularly if you're deeply invested in a candidate or policy, can provoke anxious thoughts. Will your preferred candidate win? What will happen if they don't? Constantly thinking about "what-ifs" can feed into the anxiety cycle, causing you to perpetually feel on edge about the future.
Information Overload Causing Overwhelm
The 24-hour news cycle is mentally exhausting, taxing, and something our brains are not primitivly created to be able to handle. From social medit to TV debates, the influx of information is nonstop. When this information is primarily negative, as often seen in election seasons, it can lead to feeling overwhelmed and hopeless. There's a fine line between staying informed and becoming consumed by information, and when the latter happens, it can feel like you're carrying the weight of the world.
Polarization & Social Strain
Political differences can create rifts between friends, families, and communities. The deeply polarized political climate has made it more challenging for people to engage in civil conversations about politics. This strain in relationships, particularly if close family members or friends have opposing political views, can lead to feelings of loneliness or isolation. The pressure to choose sides, defend your stance, or stay neutral can be mentally exhausting.
Social Media Fatigue
Social media becomes a battleground during election season. Scrolling through a feed full of political posts can increase feelings of anger, stress, anxiety, and despair. Algorithms often push emotionally charged content to the forefront, further intensifying the divisiveness. For some, this can lead to doomscrolling (which is when someone continuously consumes negative news, making the world seem darker than it actually is, contributing to a decline in mental well-being).
When you're caught up in the emotional intensity of election season, it's easy to neglect your own needs. But prioritizing self-care is super important for maintaining your mental health! Self-care during this seasons means creating intentional boundaries, limiting exposure to negativity, and finding ways to recharge your emotional energy.
Your mental health should not be a casualty of the political process.
7 Practical Self-Care Tips During Election Season
Set Boundaries on Media Consumption
A constant influx of news can leave you feeling drained and anxious. Try setting boundaries on how much time you spend consuming political content. Consider setting aside specific times of the day to check the news, and avoid scrolling right when you wake up and right before you go to bed. If social media feels overwhelming, take breaks by logging out or limiting your use. Smartphones come with the ability to set timers for any app you want!
Practice Mindfulness & Grounding Techniques
During stressful times, mindfulness can help bring your focus back to the present moment, reducing the spiraling thoughts that contribute to anxiety. Simple grounding techniques, like deep breathing exercises, meditation, or a short walk outside can help you disconnect from the political noise and reconnect with yourself. Apps like Balance, Headspace, and Calm have guided meditations specifically for anxiety and stress.
Engage in Physical Activity
Exercise is one of the best natural stress relievers! Physical activity can help you release pent-up energy and reduce the tension that builds up in our bodies during an election season. Whether it's a walk, a yoga session, or a workout in the gym, moving your body helps regulate your mood. Even 10-15 minutes of movement each day can make a massive difference in how you mentally feel!
Limit Political Conversations
It's easy to get sucked into political debates with family, friends, or colleagues, but these conversations can quickly become overwhelming and maybe cause you to lose your sense of safety. If discussing politics leaves you feeling emotionally drained, it's okay to step back. Setting boundaries with others by letting them know you prefer not to engage in political conversations. Remind yourself that it's okay to not have every conversation become political; your mental health and well-being come first.
Prioritize Sleep
Sleep is one of the first things to go when anxiety levels are high. But maintaing good sleep hygiene is critical for stress management. Try to create a relaxing bedtime routine; avoid screens an hour before bed, practice deep breathing, or read a book that has nothing to do with politics. Prioritizing sleep helps your brain process emotions and reduces the likelihood of feeling overwhelmed the next day.
Stay Connected with Supportive Communities
While some political conversations can be draining, others can be healing. If you're feeling isolated or anxious, reach out to supportive communities that align with your values or beliefs. Sometimes, knowing that others have the same concerns you do can ease feelings of loneliness. Having people in our lives who understand what we're going through is an awesome resource for emotional support.
Therapy During Election Seasons
If the stress of election season becomes overwhelming to the point where it's affecting your daily life, consider reaching out to a therapist. Anxiety, depression, or feelings of hopelessness can be exacerbated by external stressors like politics. Speaking with a therapist can help you process your feelings in a healthy way and develop coping strategies tailored to your specific needs. Mental health is not a one-size=fits-all journey, and when we seek help, it's a sign of our strength.
There are numerous resources available for those struggling with election-related stress. At Root Counseling, we offer telehealth services in multiple states , which can make it easier to seek help from the comfort of your home.
Final Thoughts
This time of year can be hard. It's an intense period that has profound effects on mental health. When we're constantly being bombarded with information while living in a polarized political climate, it contributes to feelings of anxiety, stress, and overwhelm. But by practicing intentional self-care, setting boundaries, and recognizing when it's time to step back, you can protect your mental well-being during this stressful time.
Remember, your mental health matters just as much as the political outcomes you care about. Taking care of yourself enables you to stay resilient and engaged in the long term, no matter how challenging the political climate may become.
At Root Counseling, we're committed to helping clients process their thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and experiences during this election season. To schedule an appointment with one of our therapists, you can visit us here.
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