Anxiety Surrounding Politics
Political elections can serve as a time of heightened anxiety for many Americans. Whether attributed to uncertainty surrounding the results of the election, having conflicting viewpoints with friends or loved ones, or simply feeling overwhelmed with seemingly endless information and discussion, it’s understandable that anxiety crosses party lines.
Here are some tips to help combat politically-fueled anxiety:
Don’t make assumptions. People aren’t defined by where they land on the political spectrum. Severing relationships because of political differences might not be the right decision. If you find it impossible to engage in a political discussion with a close friend or relative, don’t! Engage in different topics of conversation that you both can enjoy.
Be respectful. Remember that everybody is entitled to their opinion. If you chose to engage in political discussion, always seek first to understand, then to be understood. You don’t have to agree, but try to remember that both sides of the discussion want what they believe is best. Respectful communication is key.
Get involved! If there’s a cause that you’re passionate about, find out how you can help advance it. Anxiety can stem from feeling like there’s nothing you can control, but there are many ways to get involved at either the grassroots level or the political level. Working for a movement or plan of action you really care about can help alleviate some of the anxiety of feeling helpless. Getting involved in local politics can open a lot of doors, and often creates positive change that will impact your everyday life! Visible changes within the community can be something to take pride in.
Know when to unplug. If you’re finding your news feeds to be jam-packed with political updates or overwhelming amounts of information that leaves you feeling anxious or stressed, remember that it’s okay to take a step back. There’s no shame in unfollowing or unfriending when posts are negatively affecting you. Follow some profiles or accounts that post lighthearted updates or pictures that you enjoy. There’s more to life than what’s going on in government buildings.
Regardless of what party you identify with, politics can be a distinct source of stress and anxiety. Knowing how to navigate through that anxiety can help you get through election seasons and beyond.
