The 2020 presidential election has gone down in history as one of the most bitter and divisive in American history.
2020 was a tumultuous year, with social unrest following the killing of George Floyd, the COVID-19 pandemic, and Donald Trump’s false claims of election fraud. Four years later, the 2024 presidential election is also a source of widespread anxiety due to a variety of factors, including Project 2025, Trump’s threat that he would “be a dictator from day one” if he returns to the White House, far-right Christian nationalism, threats of domestic terrorism, and concerns about further political violence.
in An op-ed published in the Washington Post On August 18, Dr. Gregory Scott Brown, a Houston-based psychiatrist and author, lamented that many Americans are suffering from anxiety and “mental health” issues because of the election.
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“The current election campaign and upcoming elections are keeping many of my patients up at night.” Brown explains“They’re worried about the future of our country and their own mental health. As a psychiatrist, I’m still hearing the same questions I did four years ago: How can we get through this election without losing our minds?”
Brown continues:“It’s possible with some intentional steps. We can build an election mental health toolkit and be mentally prepared.”
Psychiatrist/Author Continue with the layout Some coping strategies included: (1) “Set boundaries around news consumption,” (2) “Get news from a variety of sources,” (3) “Be curious and engage in conversations before judging,” and (4) “Proactive coping can help me prepare for the election results.”
“Setting boundaries around news consumption is important for mental health.” Brown advises“First, limit your TV news viewing to one to two hours a day. Try not to watch election coverage 30 minutes before you go to bed, as screen time can disrupt the production of melatonin, making it harder to fall asleep.”
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Brown adds:“Extensive viewing of cable news can also increase mental stress, as experts often argue with each other to make the case for their candidate. Instead of watching the news, try reading it in your favorite newspaper or online magazine. You may find that this reduces stress.”
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Dr. Gregory Scott Brown’s full Washington Post op-ed is available here. This link (Subscription required).
