Strategies for Managing Election Stress
We shouldn’t have to go through this again, yet, here we are.
The same two men running for office. The hateful rhetoric. The anxiety and despair. The intense fear. The emotional frenzy we’re whipped into every time we turn on the TV or read a news article.
Prolonged feelings of stress and anxiety related to politics can have real (and undesirable) impacts on our health and lives such as emotional avoidance, mood swings, irritability, increased feelings of hostility, and obsessive or compulsive consumption of political news.
Undoubtedly, we are living through unprecedented times (and angst). I find myself searching for ways to move my mind and body from a constant state of overwhelm to a steady state of peace. To connect, refuel, stay present, be active and engaged.
How will we survive this again?
Short Answer: Together.
Harnessing the Power of Community Support
Community support serves as a beacon of light in times of darkness. It offers validation, understanding, and a sense of belonging amidst the chaos. Within our communities, we find solace in shared experiences and solidarity in our struggles. Whether it's through heartfelt conversations, mutual aid initiatives, or collective action, our communities provide a nurturing environment for healing and growth.
What does it mean to lean into your community for support? (Hint: it doesn’t have to involve grand or complicated gestures).
Simply pick up the phone and reach out to friends, family, neighbors, or fellow activists. Engage in meaningful dialogue, share resources, offer a listening ear, and ask for an ear (or a shoulder) when you need one.
Other types of community support include:
Community workshops or support groups
Civic engagement initiatives
Interfaith or inter-community dialogues
Art and cultural events
Local community centers or libraries
“If you are operating from a place of overwhelm, it ends up taking you away from your love, taking you away from your mission.”
Integrating Internal Family Systems for Inner Harmony
In addition to drawing external support from your community, cultivating inner harmony is essential for navigating political turmoil and the existential dread accompanying it.
Over the past several years, the principles of Internal Family Systems (IFS) have been key to navigating periods of overwhelm in my own life and, I’ve witnessed many therapy clients use IFS to regain control over their emotional regulation and find a sense of calm amidst election-induced and general life chaos.
The 8 “Cs” of IFS: calm, confidence, courage, connectedness, curiosity, compassion, clarity, and creativity—are guiding principles that can lead us toward inner harmony despite external stressors. And, here’s the beautiful thing: You don’t have to look far to find these principles. They are already inside all of us, part of our true, core Self—but they are often difficult to access because we have many parts inside that have different needs and motivations for us.
For example, in the face of political unrest, you may have parts that feel angry, afraid, rageful, or anxious - or you may have a part that just wants to disconnect from it all. There may be parts that keep you up at night, and these parts may be fueled by coping mechanisms such as over-drinking or self-isolation.
Through the lens of IFS, it is possible to begin to witness the parts of you that create a sense of turmoil, get to know them better, find out what they need from you, and move through elections (and life) with more confidence and peace.
The power of community support and IFS can provide a sense of hope in a sea of hopelessness. By nurturing our relationships with others and fostering inner harmony, we see that it is possible to cultivate resilience, peace, and courage in the face of political uncertainty.
In short: We will get through this. Together.
For more resources on managing election anxiety, click here.
Want to explore how IFS and a community of support can help you through the months leading up to the next election? Register for the Managing Election Stress Support Group that starts May 6th.
