Dear Life Section,

This is my first year voting. I care deeply about what is at stake. I know that every vote holds value and it is scary to hold that power, use it and help a candidate win.

There is a lot of anxiety surrounding it. I really wish you could help me navigate this election stress.

Sincerely,

Anxious Voter

Dear Anxious Voter,

It is normal to feel uneasiness and concern during election season when your decision can have a valuable impact. Social media and the news cycle can lead to overburdening you with information which causes stress and interferes with sleep.

Political stress can also affect mental health for some by raising blood pressure, causing hyperventilations and reducing focus. Finding the equilibrium through election season begins with acknowledging that these feelings and emotions are normal and transient.

Try to limit media consumption by using apps like Apple Screen Time or Digital Wellbeing. Staying informed about the news is essential; however, balancing the necessary exposure is also important for your well-being.

Election results are often beyond a single individual’s control. Focus on actions and causes you believe in, whether it is voting, participating in discussions or volunteering.

Engage in mindfulness practices to remain calm and deal with anxiety. Applications like Healthy Minds and Headspace offer free mindfulness practices and resources for individuals and students to manage anxiety in peak moments.

Engage in healthy political discussions. Politics can feel personal, but it is OK to set boundaries. Respectfully engaging in a conversation or exiting it could help maintain your peace of mind.

WSU offers Counseling and Psychological Services for students dealing with anxiety, stress and other concerns. CAPS has trained professionals who understand the impact of political stress on voters and are trained to offer support. WSU also offers resources for mindfulness, stress relief and self-care through Cougar Health Services.

Election season comes every four years but maintaining mental health is an ongoing long-term process. Learning how to manage stress right now, can help set up healthy patterns for managing anxiety in adverse situations in the future.

Taking care of yourself during elections is not limited to surviving just one cycle. This is a chance to help build resilience and learn with every experience. With each election in the coming years, you can learn to cope, understanding alternative opinions and personal limits. This would ultimately help you approach future political elections with a balanced mindset.

Sincerely,

The Life Section