Regardless of political affiliation, election season can cause elevated stress, political tension, and impact views of societal changes. The American Psychological Association’s recent study showed that more than 75% of adults were experiencing increased overwhelm, reporting they were worried about the future of the nation, the economy, and the presidential election. The study indicates that the average reported level of stress during the 2024 election is similar to previous years; however, it highlights that more than 80% of opinions about the election–contributing to heightened stress levels, depression, catastrophic thoughts, and elevated sleep disturbances–stem from misinformation perpetuated by various sources, including social media.
We’re here to offer assistance, tips, and tools to help you navigate thoughts, relationships, and emotions during the election session and to further support your emotional well-being after the results are posted.
Reflect on the best part of your day. Allow a gentle shift in mindset by focusing on something good, funny, positive, or uplifting about your day. It’s easy to focus on the negative (we have an innate negative brain bias), reset and refocus.
Assess your intake threshold and take a break. Stay informed, but balanced.
Focus on what you can control rather than the outcome of the election. You don’t have control over how people vote or the results, and shouldering that responsibility–consciously or subconsciously–can be consuming and detrimental. Instead, focus on where you can put your time and energy, contribute where you can, and manage what is directly within your control.
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Ask yourself what challenged you today. Reflect on the strengths you have that assisted with navigating this challenge. You encounter obstacles every day that are beyond your control; consider what makes those challenges more manageable. Election years, among many other engagements, provide valuable insight to better understand yourself and strengthen your ability to tolerate uncertainty.
Talk with people in your support circle about your thoughts and emotions towards the election.
Avoid labeling, stigmas, assumptions, and overgeneralizations.
Practice personal boundaries and respect others’ boundaries. Political disagreements can get messy and can cause turmoil in relationships or skew our view of others. You’re going to have fundamental disagreements on core moral principles. It’s okay to agree to disagree or draw a line with the conversation.
Allow for emotions and facts within conversations.
Talk to people who may have different views. If we cannot have conversations, listen to opposing beliefs, or challenge ourselves, our understanding remains limited and incomplete. You cannot have all the facts on your side, there will always be research you haven’t come across or different, and valid, interpretations of facts you do have.
Practice listening to understand rather than listening to convince. Being able to listen and understand does not mean that you agree. You do not have to walk into the conversation your view to change, or to change their view; instead, you can leave with a broader perspective and deeper empathy, enhancing your personal knowledge and allowing you to see alternative perspectives.
Reflect on your personal values and morals, engage in self-care, and pursue hobbies to further promote staying grounded during overwhelm.
Talk to a mental health professional. Mental health professionals are trained and skilled to assist with emotional overwhelm. They can work alongside you to identify skills and tools to assist with the stress that comes alongside elections, politics, and–ultimately, daily life experiences.
After the election, reflect on these points to assist with disappointment, stress, or anxieties. Focus on healthy living, positives, and making impacts where you can. Take breaks with social media and continue to seek out support.
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