Managing your election anxiety

Discover ways to feel grounded in uncertain times.

Unless you have been hiding under a rock, you are aware that in the United States on Tuesday, November 3rd we will vote for president and various other elected officials. This blog is less about political parties or which person will be better for America, and more of an attempt for us to consider how we are feeling in these deeply conflicted times.

As we attempt to keep our anxiety at bay while dealing with the pandemic, the flu season, virtual learning, seasonal affective disorder, cold snowy weather and, worse yet, another toilet paper shortage and shutdown. I am writing today to talk about ways to feel grounded.

In looking at social media, I see that many of my therapist peers are suggesting that people go outside for a hike or a brisk walk or spend time in nature grounded in the five senses. It helps to touch, taste, smell, and feel alive and be grounded in the present.

Those sound like great ideas, but I don’t think we are going to be able to avoid television. One of the ways to curve binge watching and finger biting would be set a time that you’re going to watch the results and keep to that limit (no matter what).

Some of the things that are on my list for self-care for Election Day are:

• make my bed

• light a candle

• make and/or listen to a playlist of my favorite songs

• make a gratitude list

• hug someone

• get in at least 10,000 steps!

Anxiety is fear of the unknown, and there is absolutely no way that we will have a clear-cut winner after Tuesday’s election results. Remember to embrace each other's humanity. This is especially important when engaging with those who may have voted differently, and attempt avoid negative, provocative language at all cost.

No matter who wins, we must focus on our shared future as we commit to the challenging journey ahead of us.

Written by Camille Banks-Lee, LCSW-R, CASAC, MS.Ed. Ms. Banks-Lee is a member of our clinical team.