How to Cope with Post-Election Day Anxiety
From swing states to self-care.
by MADISON MANCZKO ★ NOVEMBER 10, 2020
If your week was at all similar to the week my friends and I had, it was most likely a stressful one. As we desperately refreshed our Twitter feeds while news coverage loomed ominously in the background, we found ourselves thrown into an incredibly anxious situation we had absolutely no control over.
The upside, however, is that none of us are alone. According to a 2020 survey conducted by mental health organization, The Maple Counseling Center, 64% of the Gen-Z population have felt as if their mental health suffered due to the 2020 presidential election. So, if election anxiety is getting you down, here are some tips on how to deal now that we’re somewhat out of the woods.
Limit social media time
While Twitter and Instagram are great ways to stay updated, being bombarded with endless false information and opinions can add to the overwhelming feeling. Instead of endless scrolling, check one or two news sources from time to time to stay in the loop while avoiding unnecessary frustration. It also might be wise to steer clear of Donald Trump’s Twitter account.
Rely on a support system
Spending time with friends who feel equal amounts of election anxiety can be a therapeutic experience. Grab some food and watch Chris Cuomo surrounded by the comfort of others (while being COVID safe, of course).
Tune out without the guilt
If you’ve been a bit too on edge, don’t feel guilty for distracting yourself. We all process anxiety differently, so if a Netflix binge or a creative project gives you a few hours of peace, it’s perfectly valid to opt-out. If you’re really desperate, try using the stress as a motivator for productivity, and crank out that paper you’ve been putting off.
Put yourself first
You can’t control how people react to the outcome of the election, but you can control how you care for yourself. Take a bath, do a face mask, and try to get enough sleep. Relieving anxiety starts with self-care, so don’t be afraid to treat yourself a little extra this week.
Set conversational boundaries
Now that Biden is president, there are bound to be some awkward or even aggressive Thanksgiving dinner conversations with your more conservative family members. If you find yourself dealing with someone who just won’t shut up, don’t force yourself to engage in a frustrating debate. Take a deep breath and walk away when necessary (especially if you hate confrontation like me).
Take control where you can
When we feel powerless, it may be beneficial to help out where we can. Use your voice on social media to share useful information, read articles to educate yourself, or try to fight fake news when you see it.
Turn to TikTok
If you’re like most of Gen-Z and use humor as a coping mechanism, laughing through the pain while scrolling through election TikToks can help lighten the mood. Those jokes about an impending civil war are funny… right?
Contact Syracuse University’s mental health resources if necessary
Many of us have pre-existing anxiety issues, and the added stress can make them even harder to bear. We are living through a scary time, so it’s totally valid to seek additional/professional help. Syracuse University offers great counseling and support services through the Barnes Center at The Arch with staff that would be more than happy to help. Click here for more information.
The waiting is finally over and the relief is beginning to creep in. That being said, we have just survived one of the most important elections in our country’s history, so stress and anxiety are basically inevitable. Even if you got your desired outcome there are bound to be more challenges ahead, so we have to put our mental health first right now. Whether you’ve been tuning in or tuning out of the news, make sure to tune in to yourself this week as well.
Cover photo credit: The Washington Post