At this point we have been living through a global pandemic that has killed more than 200,000 Americans, for a significant portion of the year. The distress caused by the disruption in our lives as a result of COVID-19 has been an ongoing strain emotionally, mentally and physically. Add to that the racial turmoil, unsteady economy, and climate change that has fueled widespread wildfires and other natural disasters. 2020 has been a year to reckon with.
We are now approaching, one of the most divisive presidential election in decades. The result is an accumulation of allostatic load that will further impact our health and wellbeing. If the election that is just around the corner is causing you stress, you are not alone. According to a new survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of the American Psychological Association, 68% of U.S. adults say the 2020 U.S. presidential election is a significant source of distress in their lives. The survey also found that regardless of political affiliation, majorities say that the election is a significant source of stress (76% of Democrats, 67% of Republicans and 64% of Independents).
Here are some evidence-based strategies that the American Psychological Association has offered to help people manage their stress related to this election:
- Uncertainty is frequently stressful, and some people are better at dealing with uncertainty than others. The election, the global pandemic and social unrest are all adding to a sense of uncertainty in our lives. Avoid dwelling on things you can’t control. When uncertainty strikes, many people immediately imagine worst-case scenarios. Break the habit of ruminating on bad outcomes.
- Focus on what you can control. If following the news, watching the debates or scrolling through social media is causing you stress, limit your media consumption. Give yourself permission to take a break from the news.
- Engage in meaningful activities. Rather than fixating on news coverage, find an activity that you really enjoy and spend time doing it. Get involved in issues that are meaningful to you. By making a plan on how you will vote, for example — in person, by mail or as part of early voting — you are more likely to follow through.
- Stay socially connected. Go for a walk or spend time with friends and family. Research shows that people who have at least one or two friends or family members to turn to for emotional support during stressful times tend to cope better than people who don’t have such support.
- Stay active. Moving helps us release the energy we experience when we feel stressed.
- Realize that we might not know who won the election on Election Day. If you think this will raise your anxiety, keep busy with things that you enjoy and stay connected to social support so that you aren’t continually checking for what could be viewed as “bad” news.
Below are some university resources that are available to you:
- Campus Wellbeing and Mental Health Resources
Here are some self-care resources you can use anytime to manage stress:
