JuLY 2024
🐰🐰 Managing Stress and Anxiety in a Contentious Election Year
“To be an activist is to speak. To be an advocate is to listen. Society can’t move forward without both.”
– Eva Marie Lewis
The only constant is change...
The election season is upon us, and with it comes a unique blend of anticipation, hope, and, for many, significant stress. In a year marked by intense political divides, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. One major factor contributing to this stress is "social sorting," a phenomenon where political ideology and personal identity become so intertwined that political disagreements can feel like personal attacks. This deep-seated division leads to heightened animosity and makes navigating political conversations more challenging, especially when our values and identities feel under threat.
The prolonged nature of the election cycle also adds to the stress. From the initial campaigning to the final tally on election night, the relentless flow of political news can create a sense of perpetual urgency. Every debate, poll, and news update can feel like a critical moment, amplifying anxiety and making it hard to find respite. For many of us, this year’s stakes feel higher than ever, with not just policy preferences but the balance of power and the future of democratic norms on the line.
Interestingly, even those who typically shy away from politics or feel indifferent towards the candidates are not immune to the stress. The pervasive nature of election-related discussions and media coverage means that it's hard to escape the tension. The result is a society on edge, where political fatigue sets in, yet the pressure to stay informed and engaged remains strong.
For those of us feeling the strain, there are proactive steps we can take to turn our anxiety into action. Getting involved in local campaigns, volunteering for organizations that align with our values, or educating ourselves about the political process are great ways to channel stress into positive energy. Engaging in these activities not only provides a sense of purpose but also helps build a supportive community of like-minded individuals.
However, if the thought of getting involved only heightens your anxiety, there are effective strategies to manage stress without diving into the political fray. One of the most crucial is setting boundaries around political discussions. Plan ahead for how to handle conversations that add stress rather than contribute to productive dialogue. Prepare useful phrases to gracefully sidestep heated debates, such as, "I prefer not to discuss politics, but I'm happy to talk about something else we both enjoy." Additionally, limiting exposure to election news and social media can reduce the constant bombardment of political content and help maintain your mental health.
In the end, managing political stress during an election year is about finding balance and protecting our well-being. Whether we choose to get involved or step back, acknowledging the impact of political stress and taking deliberate steps to address it can help us navigate these turbulent times with greater peace of mind. Remember, it’s okay to prioritize our mental health and set boundaries that keep us grounded amidst the political storm.
Some resources:
Presentation from Colorado State EAP - great resources included
Unique & special MONTH holidays:
Some of my favorites:
National Blueberry Month
National Anti-Boredom Month
July 3 Compliment Your Mirror Day
July 14 National Macaroni & Cheese Day
July 18 World Listening Day
July 31 International Day of Friendship
I'm grateful to know you and I thank you for letting me be a part of your journey. Please let me know if there is anything more I can be doing to support you.
“While I hold my own political views, it's important not to get too wrapped up in individual candidates and personalities, but instead to focus on the real issues.”
- Marcus Samuelsson
Crisis Numbers:
I recommend adding these to your contacts in your phone. If you don't need them, you might be able to share them with someone who does.
Suicide Prevention Lifeline: the new 988 line is live! 988 is the new Suicide Prevention Lifeline number. It's exciting to have an easy-to-remember number available to access crisis support quickly. For more information: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/current-events/the-lifeline-and-988/. The old number remains active as well: 1-800-273-8255
Text crisis line... you can send a text to 741741 and just write HOME and someone will get right back to you. https://www.crisistextline.org/text-us/
Trans Lifeline: (877) 565-8860
National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233
Credits:
(http://holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/July.htm)
