Seven Ways to Handle Election Anxiety


 I’m seeing a lot of fear& anxiety on social media these days. People are dismayed, alarmed, and outright paranoid. The panic is so palpable that it’s bound to be affecting those of us dealing with depression or anxiety. Maybe you’re getting caught up in more online arguments these days; maybe you spend an inordinate amount of time defending yourself and others, or maybe you’re the one who’s enraged and attacking everybody you think has ruined your world.It’s time to take a deep breath and relax.Regardless of where on the political spectrum you fall, I suspect you and I aren’t that much different. We feel passionately about our political causes and get discouraged when others disparage them. We want to see the right people elected and feel down when we think the wrong people are elected. Aside from a political spectrum of ideologies, there is an emotional political spectrum, too. Most people don’t care much about politics. Others care deeply. But on the far end of the spectrum are those of us who become emotionally invested in a candidate or issue. This can lead to crashing depression and heightened anxiety when the outcome isn’t what we wanted.Unfortunately, I don’t often back the winner, so I’m all too acquainted with disappointment on election eve. Here are seven tips I have learned that might help you take control of your election anxiety:Unplug– You don’t need politics like an IV drip. Take ...
Source: The Splintered Mind by Douglas Cootey - Category: Psychiatry Tags: Depression Source Type: blogs