As election season draws to a close, we finally have time to reflect upon the immense
impact the past few months have had on our mental health. While the ad campaigns have left our screens and the political discourse has quieted, emotions you may be experiencing can still be quite intense.
Elections can bring many emotions to the forefront, including the following:
- Continued anxiety and uncertainty: you may still be feeling uncertain about the future, or anxious about what a changing political landscape means for you.
- Relief and fatigue: you may be very content with the outcome of the election. However, the constant stress over the past year may be leaving you feeling fatigued. The continuous barrage of information is overwhelming!
- Disappointment and anger: if you are unhappy with the results of the election, you could be left with feelings of betrayal and frustration with friends, family members, and the nation as a whole. Perhaps you are thinking about how to use these emotions constructively, or maybe you just want to sit in your anger (don’t worry, both are totally normal!).
- Hope and optimism: on the other hand, you may be filled with a rush of hope and motivation to engage in civic duties. This is a great opportunity to harness this energy to propel you forward into something you may not have thought about doing before.
If you are feeling overwhelmed by this combination of emotions, know that you are not
alone –a poll conducted by the American Psychiatric Association found that 73% of adults were anxious about the 2024 election (Abrams, 2024). In this come down period, it is important to recognize the impact this election has had on your mental health and to practice self-care.
Here are a few ideas about how you can implement a self-care plan:
- Lean into community: regardless of your feelings towards the outcome, it is important to combat isolation to prevent continued election anxiety. Finding groups of people feeling similar emotions can be very calming. Checking out events at your local library, joining an art class, or volunteering at your favorite organization are excellent examples of how to find like minded community members.
- Decompress: as we continue to live through “unprecedented times,” it is important to slow down and reflect. You may find peace in going on a walk in nature, meditating, doing yoga or journaling. These activities can help you gain perspective on the state of the world post election cycle.
- Limit news exposure: for the past few months, you may have been consuming more media than you normally would. It’s easy to fall into the habit of listening to the news everyday or checking for updates, but try to take a break by changing notification settings or by engaging in other activities on your phone, such as the daily crossword.
- Seek help if needed: if you find you are struggling with navigating these complex emotions, we have a number of clinicians here at New Hope Counseling Group who are ready to guide you. Reach out for a free 15 minute phone consultation to explore how a clinician can help!
References
Abrams, Z. (2024, October 22). The impact of election stress: Is political anxiety harming your
health?. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2024/10/managing-political-stress
Klecko, M. (2024, October 29). Taking care of yourself and others during election season.
Temple Now. https://news.temple.edu/news/2024-10-29/taking-care-yourself-and-others-during-election-season
