RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — New survey finds anxiety increases by 43% among Americans This year, compared to last year, nearly three-quarters of people say the election is a big factor.
“I think there’s a lot of anxiety about the unknown. We’re in an unprecedented situation and a lot of people are pretty shaken up because they don’t know what the future holds, what it means, what the impact will be,” said Dr. Megan Pruett, an associate professor of psychiatry at the University of North Carolina who sees patients regularly.
Pruett said he wasn’t surprised the study showed an increase in anxiety, but there are ways to combat it.
If you feel strongly about not being able to control the outcome, she recommends taking action within the political process.
“If that means having the right to vote, if that means they want to volunteer in some way for elections, that’s an action they can take that gives them an added sense of control,” Pruett said.
Another thing that may be causing election-related anxiety among Americans is the possibility that differences of opinion could cause rifts between loved ones.
“The strong emotions over the election have caused rifts in many families and communities, and I think that’s very sad. Some people are cutting ties with family members because emotions are too strong to be together or talk about anything other than the election,” Pruett said.
She said people should find common ground with their loved ones and avoid political conversations when emotions run high. She also recommended finding relationships that have nothing to do with politics at all.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by election news, she said it can also be helpful to be intentional about how and when you consume it, as the “constant barrage” can make it hard to think about anything else and increase feelings of fear.
Focusing on the here and now can also be an effective tactic.
“Who is the person sitting in front of you? What is your relationship with that person? What do you do in your day-to-day life? Do you go for walks? Do you meet up with your neighbors? How do you interact with them in the real world?” Dr. Pruett said.
Another thing to try if you’re experiencing a lot of anxiety during election season is to set aside “worry time” – a set time each day during which you allow your mind to wander and feel anxious, and then when you’re done, avoid thinking about worries for the rest of the day.
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