It’s been another tumultuous week in politics, with the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump and continued uncertainty surrounding President Joe Biden’s reelection.
The presidential election is stressing Americans out A few months — 40% of adults reported feeling depressed or anxious in response to the poll. In a May survey.
psychologist Crystal Lewis of National Institute of Mental Health Said NPR He noted this week that our emotional responses to politics run the gamut, saying, “The emotions people are experiencing in this period leading up to the election range from fear to anger to stress to extreme sadness and fear for the future.”
Lewis argues that these heightened feelings are not only normal, but valid — but if they’re too strong or last too long, it may be time to seek help.
She warns that people who already suffer from anxiety or depression may be more likely to experience them during times of turmoil.
Lynn BufkaDeputy Director of Professional Practices American Psychological AssociationHe told NPR that stress is “probably telling us to pay some attention to what’s going on in the world and to be prepared to act.” In a manner consistent with our beliefs and values.”
In these times of worldly distress, Lewis and Bufka share some strategies for those seeking calm and inner peace amid the turmoil.
Understanding uncertainty
Uncertainty is often a source of anxiety. As Bufka explains to NPR, “We want to know what’s going to happen. We want to predict it. So when uncertainty hits, many of us start imagining worst-case scenarios.”
Naturally, catastrophizing thinking is not beneficial to our mental health.
Bufka suggests stopping this cycle with some self-inquiry by asking yourself, “How likely is the worst-case scenario? Could I handle it? What are some things I might have back in my control to help me manage that situation?”
Answering these questions and shifting our focus to what we can control is crucial to stress management.
Control what you consume
Lewis suggests taking regular digital detoxes from the political news cycle.
Depending on how you absorb information, you might need to turn off the TV or log out of your social media accounts.
Do something meaningful
Engaging in meaningful activities dramatically improves our overall well-being, especially when stress strikes.
Bufka suggests connecting with others, working for a cause, and contributing to the greater good of society, even if it seems like a small thing.
For example, she suggests, “If your elderly parents don’t feel like cooking or picking up trash to make the neighborhood a better place, treat them to a nice meal tonight.”
Finding Healthy Coping Strategies
Rather than worrying about the worst, experts recommend doing things that bring you joy and help you focus on the present moment.
Bufka points out the importance of moving your body when you’re feeling mentally agitated.
“When we’re stressed and overwhelmed, our bodies store excess energy, and being active helps us release that stress,” she explained to NPR. “Going for a walk, pulling weeds in the garden, playing soccer with a friend, playing tag with your kids – all of those things can help us release some of that physical energy and feel a little more present.”
Staying Socially Connected
Social isolation can take a toll on our mental and physical health, and the World Health Organization has declared loneliness an “imminent health threat.”
This threat is amplified when we are feeling anxious or depressed, so it’s important to stay connected with friends and family.
As the gap between political parties grows wider and debates more acrimonious, Bufka argues that people should not isolate themselves from those who hold different views.
“Connecting with people who have different perspectives than ours [and] Knowing our shared humanity can help ease tensions about the outcomes we fear,” she told NPR.
