Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash 10.2.20
Learning how to cope with political anxiety is more important than ever. The topic comes up often in my online counseling practice. Here are some strategies that may help you cope with political stress and anxiety. Remember, free content on the internet is not a substitute for mental health treatment. If you need professional help, please seek it.
First, limit your news and social media use to cope with political anxiety.
There’s a fine line between staying informed, and going down a rabbit hole when it comes to our use of social media and news sites. Social media can have a direct impact on our mood and anxiety. So before you dive in, ask yourself how you’re feeling. If you’re already feeling anxious, depressed and overwhelmed consider doing something else with your time.
If you have 5 minutes to scroll social media, you have 5 minutes to meditate, text a friend or take some mindful breaths. Use the settings on your device to put restrictions on your apps, to remind you when you’ve hit the time limit you’ve set for yourself. Or make a schedule that allows you to check your social media a set number of times per day. Try picking windows between commitments so you don’t end up captive to the infinite scroll of hopelessness that seems to be dominating all of our feeds.
Alternatively, try deleting your apps from your phone, and only allow yourself to check media and social media from your computer. Or maybe you know yourself well enough to know you won’t obey the limits you set for yourself. In those cases, consider deactivating social media, or taking a social media vacation until after the election is over.
Second, set and keep boundaries with others when it comes to discussing politics.
It might be impossible, or even detrimental, to avoid talking politics all together. However, setting boundaries with coworkers, friends and family members is critical to navigating politically induced depression and anxiety. We can set boundaries by communicating our needs, or simply by recognizing them internally and sticking to them. It’s okay to not respond to every awful meme our friends and family post on Facebook. We can adjust our settings on social media to hide or unfollow certain posts and people. You are allowed to tell friends, family, coworkers, neighbors that you’re not willing to talk to them about politics or the election. You don’t have to justify the boundaries you set. However, you should think through how you’re going to maintain your boundaries if the person you’re setting them with is unwilling to respect them.
Third, engage in regular self care to cope with political anxiety and stress.
Self care to help you manage election-based anxiety and depression might look a little different this year. It could include a device free meal shared with your family. Making an appointment with your counselor. Or soaking in a bubble bath with a good book. Self care doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive. It just needs to involve you making yourself a priority.
Finally, get involved to decrease election based anxiety.
Feeling helpless may increase anxious thoughts and feelings. Taking steps to feel more empowered and in control over the political stress you may be experiencing may help. Here are some ways to get involved.
- Volunteer to register people to vote
- Consider running for office- okay this one might create more politically induced anxiety, but it’s certainly a way to get involved!
- Sign up to volunteer at a polling station
- Volunteer to support a campaign you believe in
- VOTE
Read more related to anxiety
How Anxious Moms are Coping with the Coronavirus Crisis
How to Manage Health Related Fears and Anxiety: Coronavirus Edition
5 Symptoms of Anxiety That May Surprise You
5 New Year Resolutions for Anxious Moms
Looking for an Online Anxiety Counselor in Texas?
Anne Russey is a licensed professional counselor who specializes in counseling for anxiety, postpartum depression treatment, postpartum anxiety treatment and counseling for moms. All counseling services are LGBT affirming and inclusive. She provides online counseling throughout the entire state of Texas including Houston, Katy, College Station, Odessa, Plano, Waco, Midland, Georgetown, Lubbock, Midland and anywhere in between. Anne Russey Counseling is an online counseling practice based near Houston, Texas in Katy.
Contact Anne to request an initial appointment or a free 10 minute consultation for online therapy.