7 Tips to Cope with Election Anxiety

In November of 2024, America will vote for its president. The election always brings a host of commercials, news articles, and a fair amount of chaos. Although it is good to be well-informed, the months leading up to the election can also be overwhelming. Many people say they feel more stressed during an election year, worried about the future, and anxious about current events. 

Election anxiety is the stress that surrounds an election. This article goes over what election therapy is and how you can cope with it. 

What is election anxiety? 

Election anxiety is a common experience that many individuals face during times of political uncertainty or upheaval. It refers to the heightened stress, worry, and fear that arise in response to political events, such as elections, that may have significant implications for the future.

During election seasons, individuals may experience a range of emotions, including feelings of powerlessness, fear of the unknown, and concerns about the potential outcomes of the election. This can lead to heightened stress levels, difficulty concentrating, changes in sleep patterns, and overall emotional distress.

Symptoms of election anxiety can include:

• Heightened Stress: You may find yourself feeling more stressed than usual, with a constant sense of worry and unease about the election and its potential outcomes.

• Sleep Disturbances: Election anxiety can disrupt your sleep patterns, causing difficulties falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restless nights. You may find your mind racing with anxious thoughts, making it challenging to find restful sleep.

• Increased Irritability: The stress and uncertainty surrounding elections can lead to heightened irritability or a shorter fuse than usual. You may find yourself easily agitated or quick to anger.

• Difficulty Concentrating: Election anxiety can make it challenging to focus on day-to-day tasks or concentrate on work or studies. Your mind may be preoccupied with political news, leaving little mental energy for other responsibilities.

• Physical Symptoms: Anxiety can manifest itself physically. You might experience symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension, stomachaches, or even a racing heart or shortness of breath.

• Feelings of Powerlessness: The feeling of not having control over the election outcome or its consequences can contribute to a sense of powerlessness, which can intensify anxiety levels.

It’s important to acknowledge that election anxiety is a valid and understandable response to the current political climate. If you find yourself struggling with election anxiety, know that you are not alone. It’s essential to practice self-care, set boundaries with media consumption, and seek support from trusted individuals or mental health professionals.

7 Tips to Cope with Election Anxiety 2024

If you’ve been experiencing election anxiety this election cycle, know you’re not alone. Plenty of people struggle with this; what’s important is finding coping mechanisms that work for you. We talked to experts on the matter and put together a list of the best practices to protect your mental health this election cycle. 

According to Lifebulb Counseling and Therapy, a leading mental health practice, these seven habits can help reduce election anxiety. 

• Get Involved: Engage in activities that allow you to participate in the political process and make a positive impact, such as volunteering, attending town hall meetings, or joining advocacy organizations.

• Limit Social Media: Set boundaries with your social media usage to reduce exposure to triggering content and overwhelming news. Take breaks when needed and focus on platforms that promote positivity and balanced perspectives.

• Find a Community: Seek out like-minded individuals who share your concerns and values. Connect with local groups, online communities, or support networks to share experiences, gain support, and find a sense of belonging.

• Challenge Negative Thoughts: Recognize and challenge negative thoughts or catastrophic thinking related to the election. Practice reframing your thoughts by focusing on realistic and positive perspectives, emphasizing your own agency, and finding constructive ways to contribute.

• Get Plenty of Sleep: Prioritize good sleep hygiene to ensure your body and mind are well-rested. Establish a consistent sleep routine, create a calming bedtime environment, limit caffeine intake, and engage in relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation.

• Start a Self-Care Routine: Dedicate time to self-care activities that nurture your emotional and physical well-being. This might include practicing mindfulness, engaging in hobbies, taking walks in nature, journaling, or enjoying a favorite hobby.

• Try Therapy: Consider seeking therapy with a highly educated, experienced, and passionate therapist. Therapy can provide you with a safe, non-judgmental space to explore and process your election anxiety, develop coping strategies, and gain valuable support. Lifebulb’s commitment to hiring great therapists ensures you’ll be matched with someone who understands your needs and goals.

To find therapy for election anxiety, look for a clinic that offers affordable therapy, accepts your insurance, has little wait times, and has a therapist you think you would be comfortable with. It might be easier to find a therapist like that if you extend your search to online therapists as well as in-person. Online therapists are often more affordable and can get you in with a qualified therapist who meets your needs faster than any in-person therapist, because of how flexible online therapy is. Choose from a reputable online therapist firm like Lifebulb Counseling and Therapy, Betterhelp, or Talkspace.