Feeling anxiety during election season? You’re not alone. Here’s how to cope.

With everything going on in 2020, it is easy to want to take a break from the chaos of the news. It seems almost cruel that on top of juggling a pandemic, economic uncertainty and social unrest, we have a presidential election as well.

It’s understandable to be more than a little overwhelmed with everything 2020 has put on our plate. You’re not alone—the American Psychological Association reports that more than two-thirds of adults say the 2020 election is a significant source of stress in their lives.[1]

With North Carolina also being a swing state this year, it is more important than ever that every voice statewide is heard. With these tips you can head into election season informed and excited about participating in democracy at the national and local level.

Limit media intake

Most of us have already trained ourselves to limit media intake when it comes to COVID-19, and I’m sure many people have been doing the same with the 2020 election. The constant bombardment of political ads could drive potential voters to apathy. Limiting our media access is a good way to help relieve some unnecessary stress.

If you want to stay informed while also protecting your mental health, try setting aside time each day to read the news. Maybe you choose 20 minutes in the afternoon to catch up on the day’s events. Outside of those 20 minutes, keep news intake to a minimum. That might mean taking a break from social media.

Take care of your mental health

Try to maintain a strong self-care routine. A healthy diet and regular exercise go a long way. But a self-care practice might also include engaging in hobbies that have nothing to do with the election. Maybe it means practicing meditation, learning a new language, painting—anything you can do within the CDC’s guidelines for staying safe during COVID-19.

Remember to seek out mental health support when you need it. Lean on trusted friends and colleagues. If needed, reach out to a licensed mental health professional for support.

Get informed on the candidates

With each side attacking the other, it can seem like the best option is to just not choose. In these extremely partisan times, it can seem impossible to track down honest, good faith discourse. You can take some of that power back by seeking your own information about the candidates and their stances on the issues. Try to limit your news to unbiased sources.

Once you find a candidate that aligns with you on key issues, you can confidently cast your ballot. Then you can tune out those endless TV ads and yard signs.

Make a plan to vote

There has been a lot of discussion on both sides of the aisle on the efficacy of mail-in voting. Thousands of Americans will likely be voting by mail for the first time this election. It’s understandable to be nervous about whether you are completing all the steps correctly and if your vote will be counted.

To help alleviate these anxieties, the North Carolina Board of Elections has an online portal where you can request a mail-in ballot and discover tips on how to fill out and submit your ballot correctly and on time. You can also track your ballot to make sure it has been received.

In North Carolina, the deadline to request a ballot by mail is Tuesday, October 27, 2020. Your ballot must be postmarked by Tuesday, November 3, 2020 and received no later than Thursday, November 12, 2020 by 5:00 p.m.

Voting by mail is a safe way to vote to avoid exposure to COVID-19. Early voting in person is also likely to expose you to smaller crowds than voting on election day. If you plan to vote early, you relieve yourself of any stress related to health risks or your ballot being counted. The faster you cast that ballot, the faster you can exhale. It’s like finishing a big exam!

Election season is already an anxious time for many Americans. In these unprecedented times, it’s no surprise that Americans feel are feeling a high level of stress. In these uncertain moments the thing that will provide people the most comfort is confidence, conviction and having a game plan. This should be an exciting time for everyone in this country to participate in the cornerstone of democracy. Don’t let anxiety hold you back from having your voice be heard.

Sources:

[1] TODAY: Most Americans are experiencing ‘significant’ election stress. Here’s how to cope. https://www.today.com/health/election-stress-2020-mental-health-advice-coping-t193559

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