Quick Note: To support those experiencing election stress and anxiety, I’m currently offering sliding scale therapy spots to support our community during this stressful election period. I have openings this week. Contact me to learn more.
A Different Perspective on Election Anxiety
As a mental health therapist working with clients through election stress, I’ve noticed something interesting – most advice focuses on avoiding election anxiety entirely. While self-care strategies are valuable, what if we looked at political stress differently?
Here’s a perspective shift: Your election anxiety isn’t a problem to fix – it’s a sign that you care deeply about your community and country. When something matters to us, we naturally have feelings about it. Rather than trying to suppress these feelings, we can acknowledge them as reflections of our values and engagement with democracy.
Finding Relief from Election Stress: Practical Steps
While it’s okay to feel election anxiety, we still need ways to function effectively. In my work with clients, I’ve found these approaches particularly helpful:
1. Managing Election Day Anxiety Through Awareness
- Instead of avoiding election news entirely, set specific times to engage with it
- When anxiety arises, ask yourself: “What does this feeling tell me about what I value?”
- Use the “feelings are visitors” approach – notice them, acknowledge them, let them pass. If they aren’t passing, see if you can contain the feelings a bit by allowing yourself to feel them and other feelings that may be helpful, such as appreciation for people in your life you can talk to, gratitude for the things we often take for granted, like our homes, access to food, etc.
2. Coping with Election Result Uncertainty
- Remember that uncertainty is temporary – results will come, even if not as quickly as we’d like
- Plan engaging activities for tonight and coming days (movies, games, projects, time with loved ones)
- When checking results, use reliable sources and set specific check-in times rather than constant refreshing
- Practice “both/and” thinking: you can care deeply about the outcome AND take care of yourself while waiting
3. Election Anxiety Relief Through Mindful Engagement
- Check in with yourself: “Am I doomscrolling or staying informed?”
- Set a timer when consuming news (15-30 minutes max)
- As a Certified EMDR therapist, I believe strongly in the modality to help with a variety of issues. There are two EMDR-based apps I regularly recommend to clients that use bilateral stimulation when feeling overwhelmed: Anxiety Release and Sleep Restore. These apps were developed by an EMDR therapist; they use audio bilateral stimulation and therefore require using headphones for them to be effective.
- Another useful app is How We Feel, a free, science-based app that helps people better understand their emotions and find strategies to help them navigate them in the moment.
Need Additional Support?
If you’re finding election anxiety particularly challenging, you’re not alone. I currently have openings for new clients and am offering sliding scale options to make support more accessible. I have openings this week Contact me to learn more.
Remember: Your election anxiety isn’t a weakness – it’s a normal response to caring about important issues. If you need support managing these feelings while staying engaged and healthy, I’m here to help.
Ready to talk? email me at hello@kindred-counseling or call at 303-868-4207
