Are you struggling with election anxiety?

I want to talk to you about a topic that's on everybody's mind, the election. Whether you're a Democrat, Republican, or Independent, you have something at stake. This election is causing a lot of anxiety for a lot of reasons, and I wanted to talk to you about different tips that you could do to help reduce your anxiety.

1) You could do is go vote, and when you do vote, bring a family member or friends along with you. That way, you're voting and you're also helping them bring out their voice as well.

2) Make sure you have reliable information. There's so much conflicting information out there, it's good to have a trusted source. So the first place to start is your Board of Elections. There, you'll be able to learn about procedures and the way for you to cast your ballot. This way, it will help reduce anxiety.

3) Another tip is some things you cannot avoid is engaging with others who are either friends or family about the elections. Everybody has their own point of view and the way they should see the country will be running. So it's good to have civil conversations with people, hear them out, and then also share your point of views as well. But if you notice that's becoming very contentious, it might be best for you to step back, reflect and see how you could resolve the situation. But if it's to a point where no one is getting anywhere with their conversations and their point of view, it's best to just leave that conversation aside and not bring it up, and you guys just do your separate things because you may not be able to change people's minds. 

4) The next tip I'll talk about is having a good coping skill. Whether it's either having contentious conversations or watching the news and seeing something that might cause you anxiety, having a proper coping skill is very effective. It could be such as exercising, dancing, singing, writing, drawing, or even painting. Whatever it is to help keep you calm, that is a great way for you to reduce your anxiety. 

5) Overall, if you notice that your anxiety is getting out of hand and is very overwhelming, it may be time for you to see a mental health provider. During that visit, you'll be able to figure out what is the root cause of your anxiety, and then with the provider, you will be able to create a treatment plan to help you reduce those anxiety symptoms. 

You can follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube @GPSMindset.

Author

Dr. Ifeanyi Olele Ifeanyi Olele, DO, MBA, MS, is a board-certified psychiatrist who sees adolescent and adult patients in the greater Washington DC metropolitan area at Genesis Psychiatric Solutions. Dr. Olele is a dedicated psychiatrist in the treatment of anxiety, depression, trauma-related stress disorders, and attention deficit disorders. Dr. Ifeanyi Olele is one of the few psychiatrists who utilizes psychotherapy (talk therapy) as part of his treatment plan.