According to the 2024 American Psychiatric Association poll, nearly three out of every four adults you encounter in the U.S. is experiencing anxiety about the upcoming election. This number is jarring. Election anxiety doesn’t just impact the individual; such widespread turmoil can ripple through daily life, fueling tension in workplaces, straining relationships at home, and weakening the sense of connection within communities.

Shelby Zurick Beasley, Director of Clinical Services at Provident Behavioral Health, shares how to recognize the signs of election-related stress and practical strategies to manage it:

Signs of Election-Related Stress:

• Difficulty sleeping, fatigue, or emotional outbursts

• Increased irritability or social withdrawal

• Physical symptoms such as headaches or stomach discomfort

Tips to Manage Election Anxiety:

• Limit media exposure. Set boundaries on your news consumption to avoid information overload.

• Practice mindfulness using techniques such as grounding exercises or breathwork to stay present.

• Engage in self-care and prioritize joyful activities like exercise, time with loved ones, or spending time in nature.

• Seek support from community services such as Provident Behavioral Health’s Access Center which is available to everyone for as low as $5 (based on a sliding scale). Also, the 988 mental health hotline is open and available 24/7.

• One of the things we have stressed at Provident is that we are a respectful and civil workplace and must continue to maintain this culture, even in difficult times.  Our clinical staff are trained to understand that our clients may have different views on many topics, and we will provide respectful and nonjudgemental support.

Provident is here to support you!