Vote early to beat election stress, psychologist says

As millions of anxious Americans await Election Day, early voting could be the key to easing the stress of a tense presidential campaign, a renowned psychologist says.

Sixty-nine percent of adults said the 2024 U.S. presidential election was a significant source of stress in their lives, second only to the future of the nation (77%) and the economy (73%). A survey released in late October by the American Psychological Association found the nation in the “grip of existential stress” as the November 5 showdown between former President Trump and Vice President Harris approaches.

“It’s certainly a lot,” said Vail Wright, a psychologist and APA’s senior director of health care innovation. “Most Americans say these national events cause them significant stress.”

Data from the APA’s Stress in America 2024: A Nation in Political Chaos also shows that a majority of Americans (72%) are concerned about the possibility of violence after Election Day or even the end of democracy (56%) in the United States. States.

“What this suggests is that our stressors are no longer just local, that they are actually being felt nationally and even globally,” Wright said, referring to the threat of nuclear weapons and the ongoing war in Ukraine. “Americans and others have no shortage of things to worry about right now.”

Wright said voters should consider heading to the polls before Election Day to potentially spare themselves any associated worries.

“Be active and vote,” Wright said. Newsweek. “Vote early because it actually gives you permission to not pay as much attention anymore. If you have already made your choice, there is little you can do after that. “You can encourage others to vote, but sitting around and worrying won’t help your candidate win.”

The polarized political climate has even prompted 41% of adults to consider moving to another country or state (39%), but voting early, as more than 64 million Americans have done as of Friday afternoon, could ease the mental load for many Democrats, Republicans and independents equally, Wright said.

“Then you can afford to take a little break from the news,” she said. “Of course it’s important to stay informed, but knowing that every last minute update won’t affect the election.”

Wright advised anyone struggling with stress should seek professional help before serious personal problems arise, such as the inability to work or care for children and other relatives.

“If you think talking to someone who is trained to deal with anxiety and depression might be helpful, try to find one to the best of your ability and ability,” she said.

Wright urged worried Americans to focus solely on what they can control as Election Day approaches, but here are some more tips to help ease campaign fears:

Stay away from social networks

Constantly scanning Facebook, Instagram, X and other platforms for the latest political news will only make things worse. “Turn off social media, engage with your friends and family about non-election issues,” Wright said. “Do things that allow you to be distracted by your health.”

Think holistically

Take action that directly supports your emotional, physical and mental well-being. “Essentially it would be things like eating healthy, being active in your daily life, being connected to other people, and getting enough sleep,” Wright said.

Know how to cope

Having a “good toolbox” of healthy coping skills will also help mitigate Election Day stressors. Wright suggested activities that “engage your senses” – such as baking or hiking in a scenic area – but any activity that provides a healthy distraction will help reduce emotional turmoil.

Be careful when viewing returns

Anyone experiencing presidential campaign stress shouldn’t stay away from news coverage late Tuesday, but Wright advised viewers to be sure to pay attention to the internal signs.

“They can try to watch as long as they are aware of how they are reacting emotionally and physically,” Wright said. Newsweek. “If they notice their blood pressure rising or feel a sense of panic, they should allow themselves to turn it off and do something calming.”