Managing Election Anxiety

November 2, 2020

Dear Santa Fe Students,

As election day nears and the discourse around it intensifies, you may be finding yourself feeling fear, anxiety, frustration, and more. These feelings are normal, but they can often leave us feeling isolated and overwhelmed, especially in this stressful time of physical distancing, racial and political tension, and economic uncertainty. Managing your feelings both before and after the election can be challenging, but there are ways to help deal with this election stress. Remember to:

Limit news intake on politics to reduce the need for certainty and control
Step away from checking social media constantly
Connect with nature and exercise
Spend time with loved ones
Practice compassion and self-care
Do things you enjoy-music, dance, painting
Journal about what you're feeling
Focus on the things that you can control and let go of things you can't control
Practice mindfulness meditation focusing on kindness towards all
Explore apps that specifically provide strategies to manage election anxiety
Make a voting plan if you are eligible to vote
Use your voice-VOTE
Check out the following resources to better understand election anxiety and ways to manage it
Beck, J.S. (2020). Election Anxiety. Retrieved from https://beckinstitute.org/election-anxiety/
Shannon, J. (2020). 3 essential strategies to help manage election anxiety. Retrieved from https://adaa.org/learn-from-us/from-the-experts/blog-posts/consumer/3-essential-strategies-help-manage-election
Weber State University (2020). Election Anxiety. Retrieved from https://www.weber.edu/CounselingCenter/election.htm

Santa Fe College Counseling Center counselors are committed to providing a safe space for you to seek help, gain perspective and clarity, and overcome obstacles. Contact us at 395-5508 or email us at counseling@sfcollege.edu. Video and phone sessions are available during this time of physical distancing to ensure access and safety.