How To Deal with Political Stress
Election seasons can be incredibly stressful. The tension, enhanced by 24/7 news coverage, can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, fear, and even hopelessness. As another major election approaches in America, it's crucial to find ways to protect your mental health.
Professor of Psychiatry and Pediatrics at the Center for the Study and Prevention of Suicide, Anthony R. Pisani, PhD, provides tips and tricks on managing stress during election seasons.
How Can I Manage Stress?
The first step to managing stress is recognizing that anxiety is a natural response to the intense atmosphere of an election season. By identifying the source of stress, it becomes easier to be proactive about managing feelings.
Pisani suggests trying these four tips to help decrease stress and anxiety:
1. Practice political empathy.
"Empathy isn’t just for therapy,” says Pisani. “It’s a daily practice."
During election season, political empathy, or trying to understand why people hold different political views, should be part of that practice as well.
Political empathy might include:
- Avoiding engaging in heated debates
- Trying to understand another person’s perspective
- Being willing to listen
These can help reduce conflict and tension while allowing space for productive conversations.
2. Be productive.
One effective way to avoid becoming overwhelmed is to redirect feelings of anxiety into something positive in your daily life. Try shifting your focus to your job or a new hobby or doing something physical like exercising or going for a walk.
"The best way to stop dwelling on political tensions is to double down on your own work and efforts," Pisani advises. “If you engage more fully in your daily responsibilities and pursuits, you can’t be spending so much time thinking about what’s going on with the presidential campaign.”
Being productive provides a sense of control and accomplishment, which can be grounding during uncertain times.
3. Reflect.
It’s important to be mindful of the mental health of others and the ways in which your words can help or hurt.
“Consider how your political arguing or statements might affect those around you,” said Pisani.
Remember that elections come and go, but relationships with family and friends are key to well-being. Prioritize these connections over political differences.
4. Stop scrolling and commenting.
If the news is affecting your daily life, limit your exposure to media. This doesn’t mean you’re ignoring important issues, but rather prioritizing your well-being.
To stay informed without being overwhelmed, consider setting short periods of time throughout the day to check the news instead of scrolling constantly. And don’t engage in online arguments.
"Our mental health is more important than keeping up to date or winning an argument," Pisani emphasizes.
Mental Health Services & Support
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