Your heart quickens as you turn on the nightly news and hear the latest political barb. 

Your daughter erupts into tears during dinner with her grandparents when the talk turns political.

And, there’s palpable tension with the once friendly neighbor as you display yard signs championing very different candidates.

If election season has you stressed out, you’re not alone. In fact, a poll by the American Psychiatric Association found that 73% of Americans report feeling anxious and or depressed about the 2024 election. Ironically, election stress seems to be the issue people most agree on this year.

It’s true that the stakes seem extra high and tensions pulled extremely tight in this election. The climate can seem unbearable. So how can you get through the discord while still being an informed citizen committed to exercising your right to vote?

WellPower has some tips to help manage election anxiety:

• Limit Exposure, Be Aware of Misinformation & Seek Non-Biased Sources. Following the 24 hour news cycle and play-by-play reporting is simply not necessary for informed opinions. Limit what you take in and be mindful of where your news comes from. Media bias charts and services like Snopes.com are useful tools as you sift through news. Take in news from trusted sources in designated doses. There’s nothing wrong with watching political news daily or even weekly.

• Work – and Worry – Locally. Instead of worrying about larger national issues, focus on local and state issues and candidates, which often have more of an impact on our daily lives. Working for issues in our own backyards can help you feel empowered and relevant. Getting involved locally can also help foster a sense of community, a vital ingredient for well-being. Save your fretting for issues close to home. 

• Consider Your Audience. While we may all strive to “disagree without being disagreeable,” the fact of the matter is that some impassioned people with different views may just want to avoid political discourse altogether. Consider your audience. Some friends can discuss differing views with thoughtfulness, while others simply can’t. If you do engage in political discussions, take time to listen and put forth effort to be calm and even-tempered. If things get heated, agree to disagree. 

• Prioritize Time for What Makes You Happy. If you are stressed by the election, it’s vital to carve out time for activities that bring you joy. A brisk walk, cooking special meals, reading and dancing are some options to start with. Be sure to keep filling your cup, particularly when the current climate tends to deplete it. 

• Consider If You Need Support. Election anxiety is common and real. While not a recognized mental health disorder, it can spiral out of control. If you find yourself easily triggered, feeling unable to cope or if your election anxiety is getting in the way of your usual activities and jeopardizing relationships, you may want to consider seeking help. If you want to get a handle on your anxiety, WellPower’s therapists are here to help. Just gives us a call at (303) 504-7900 or find out more at: wellpower.org/access-services. 

Election stress and anxiety are indeed rampant this year. Consider these steps to protect your mental health during this emotional time. Remind yourself that voting is a hard-earned responsibility and while it may cause a little turmoil, we are fortunate to live in a country where we can exercise this important civil right.