As the election season intensifies, many Americans find themselves under stress due to the political climate. A specialist from Baylor College of Medicine provides guidance for those experiencing anxiety during this period.
"There is uncertainty with change," stated Dr. Eric Storch, professor and vice chair of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Baylor. "People worry about how their lives will change depending on the election results or that the elected individual may not represent them or their values – this can heighten feelings of distress throughout the election."
Dr. Storch emphasizes the importance of maintaining mental health amidst political events. For those feeling stressed by the elections, he suggests addressing these emotions by actively participating in the political process. Engaging in supportive activities like voting, socializing with loved ones, staying physically active, and ensuring adequate sleep are recommended strategies.
Political discussions are often unavoidable among friends and family. Dr. Storch advises moderating such engagements to maintain civility. "It is often difficult to convince someone to share your political views," he noted. "If it’s going to lead to a heated conversation, think about your end goal and if engaging in dialogue is helpful."
For managing tensions arising from political conversations, Dr. Storch offers methods for calming down: "Distress can be channeled into feelings of helplessness, or it can be channeled into a position of optimism," he said. He encourages taking a meaningful approach by being active and ensuring one's vote counts.
