Prioritizing Your Mental Health During Election Season

Election anxiety and political stressors can affect everyone. During an election season, it is important to remember to make time for self-care and to prioritize your mental health. Regardless of your political affiliation or hopes for the outcome of an election, many people are experiencing the same stress and uncertainty. 

Leaning on your support systems and loved ones during this time can be helpful. Give yourself grace and allow yourself to experience even the most difficult emotions. Taking breaks from news and social media, spending time with loved ones, and engaging in activities you enjoy can also help maintain balance. 

If you’re experiencing anxiety around voting itself, researching current issues and seeking guidance from trusted civic role models can help–and even if you’ve chosen a candidate, making space to understand others’ views can help us all approach election season with empathy. Embracing diverse values and experiences helps create a sense of unity as we move through this time together.

It’s important to remember that there will be constant updates throughout the week and to take breaks as needed. Fill your time doing the things you love: whether that’s taking a walk outside, cooking or ordering your favorite comfort meal, and/or spending time with loved ones or pets. If you can’t keep your mind off of politics, you may want to channel that energy into volunteering. There are still opportunities to canvas, phone bank, and get involved at polling stations until the end of the day on election day. Continue volunteering with organizations that align with your values even after the election. 

No matter what the outcome of the election is, the days that follow may be stressful. Know what resources are available to you (988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, NAMI Helpline, SAMHSA National Helpline, etc.). Practice mindfulness and other coping strategies. You don’t have to go through this alone. Support is always available.