The Presidential Election Day in the United States is held on the first Tuesday in November every four years. With the upcoming election only a couple months away on November 5, 2024, tensions have been on the rise. Voting is the way we take part in the democratic process and it allows us to have a say in who represents our country. By voting, we are able to choose the official representative whose views most closely align with our own. Voting is a way to hold our elected officials accountable for their actions and policies. If officials don’t meet our expectations, by exercising our right to vote, we are able to vote them out in the next election.
This upcoming presidential election is crucial for determining the country’s direction. Many important topics are at play such as economic policy, healthcare, climate action, social justice, and international relations. These potential changes in policies can lead to anxiety about future access to essential services. Marginalized groups may experience increased stress and fear due to potential changes in policies that directly affect their rights, well-being, and everyday life.
This tense time can significantly affect one’s mental health. The uncertainty around the election outcomes can cause increased feelings of stress, fear, and/or anxiety. Media often tends to focus on sensational or negative parts of politics, which can increase feelings of fear and distress. Increased media coverage and constant updates can also be overwhelming which can eventually lead to information overload. Different political views among family members, members of the same household, or among social groups can result in conflict.
While there may be many negative parts of the election process, being active and advocating in the process can give a sense of empowerment and purpose to some people, positively impacting their mental health. Engaging with people with similar viewpoints can also provide social support and decrease feelings of isolation.
Overall, while the presidential election can cause a range of emotions from feeling extremely sad, stressed, fearful, and/or anxious because of the future uncertainty, it can also provide opportunities for empowerment and community engagement. It’s important for us to be aware of these effects and adopt strategies to maintain our well-being during this period. Limiting exposure to distressing news, engaging in relaxing activities, seeking support from family, friends, or mental health professionals are some great ways of practicing self-care during these times. Mental health professionals can help provide strategies to manage election related stress and anxiety while also offering a safe space to talk about concerns and feelings.
References
https://www.vote411.org/delaware
