A Psychologist's Take on the Election

Out on a limb about our collective mental health during these strange times

Image: Pexels/Sora Shimazaki

As a psychologist, I usually avoid masquerading as a political pundit. And I refrain from chiming in as an armchair diagnostician, offering presumed diagnoses about candidates’ mental faculties or mental health conditions. (Although, if you are interested in a few takes on this, some interesting commentary can be found here and here.)

I also typically keep my personal opinions to myself.

But this (US presidential) election is just too darned scary.

So, at the risk of angering a few of my followers, I am going out on a limb, dipping into the fray, and sharing my concerns about our collective mental health as a Nation, and what we can do about it.

Anxiety accompanies the unknown

Each of us responds to election stress a bit differently. Anger, despair, and worry often devolve into doom-scrolling and frantically refreshing the daily polls.

But the uncertainty lingers.

This election challenges us to dig deep, manage our impatience, live with uncertainty, and question our core assumptions about how the world should work. We are tasked with figuring out how the heck we got here, and what we’ll do depending on who wins.

Deep thinking, emotional sensitivity, and planfulness are great qualities; however, these propensities may heighten election anxiety and contribute to feeling even more overwhelmed.

Troubling memories arise

The vicious commentary, racist/sexist/prejudicial remarks, and some blatant lies from several politicians and pundits can evoke disturbing memories of past experiences, including:

• betrayal, bullying, or injustice

• victimization or violence due to prejudice or racial/cultural/gender bias

• vulnerability and fear

• times when your “truth,” your identity, and your sense of self was ignored or devalued

• the effects of intergenerational trauma if your loved ones were victims of oppression or violence

Recognize that your reactions to the election may be amplified by prior traumatic experiences. You might feel panic, bodily distress, or have difficulty sleeping. You might be actively planning an escape clause and imagine relocating (as your immigrant relatives had done during times of oppression). If your distress persists, consider contacting a licensed mental health professional for support.

Finding coping strategies that work

Notice if unhealthy go-to coping strategies are activated. These might include excessive recreational drug or alcohol use, compulsive overeating, excessive shopping, hours of video gaming, retreating from loved ones, obsessively checking the latest polls, lapsing into despair.

Instead, enlist every possible healthy coping strategy, calming technique, and creative distraction that have worked in the past and turn to loved ones or a spiritual community for support. For additional coping strategies, consider the following:

• The American Psychological Association provides a list of suggestions for coping with election anxiety, with some additional guidelines for anxious kids.

• Psychotherapist and writer, Paula Prober, offers guidelines and coping strategies for these difficult times.

• Wellness journalist Robert Roy Britt presents an overview of stress associated with this election, along with coping strategies. Writer Kathleen Murphy also describes the stress so many of us experience, with guidelines for coping with it all.

• Even traditional news organizations, such as NPR, offer tips for coping with election stress and divisiveness.

Recognize that this election does not have to tear you and your marriage/extended family members/friends/neighbors apart. Finding commonalities and truly listening to each other are the first steps toward mutual understanding. I recently shared a list of organizations that seek to quell divisiveness and bridge the divide.

Finally, do something (as Michelle Obama has urged) during these remaining few days before the election. Productive outlets can offer a sense of control and meaning, and might include door-to-door canvassing, phone banking, and learning more about how to support your local, state, and presidential candidate(s) of choice.

Devise a plan going forward

Come up with a “day after” plan. How will you cope? Who will you reach out to? How will you make sense of the election decisions and move forward regardless of who wins?

These are difficult times. Pace yourself. Breathe. Take care of yourself.

Wishing you safe passage through this upcoming election.

Disclaimer: Please note that my articles are for informational purposes only and are not to be taken as mental health or medical advice. If you are in need of personal guidance, please reach out to mental health professionals in your community.