Election Stress and Post-Pandemic Fatigue: How to Care for Your Mental Wellbeing
Written by Kyle Boer, LMSW, MDIV, CAADC
It’s here, and it all feels just like yesterday. Didn’t we just go through this? Election season, already? It has all become so unrelenting that it is near constant these days...but here we go again. The sensationalized headlines, the memes aggressively attacking the opponent, the straw-man rationalizations for complex policy decisions, and maybe most painfully, all of this combining to assert itself against your deeply held values.
One more thing—what happens when I start bringing up the pandemic? Do you feel anything deep inside? Anger? Exhaustion? “I cannot keep talking about this!” A phrase I have personally said (kind of yelled, to be honest) out to dinner with family. Now that life has returned much to its pre-pandemic functioning, it has left many with post-pandemic fatigue—an intellectual, value-centered exhaustion that can incapacitate its victims with one word: ‘Covid.’
The challenge I bring to you first is to acknowledge that the upcoming general election and the fatigue onset by the pandemic are playing on you. They are affecting you. They are infiltrating and accompanying you throughout your days. Acknowledgment is the first step to treating our mental health while competing against the forces that unsettle our sense of peace, hope, and security.
Increased Stress and Anxiety
The combination of election cycles and the pandemic has significantly heightened stress and anxiety levels. The 2016 election, with its intense rhetoric and divisive issues, caused 52% of Americans to experience substantial stress, according to the American Psychological Association. This trend continued into the 2020 election, where 68% of adults reported high levels of stress, fueled by not only the election but also the pandemic. Similarly, the COVID-19 pandemic triggered a dramatic rise in anxiety, with studies showing that anxiety symptoms in the U.S. tripled during the early months of the pandemic compared to the previous year.
Rise in Depression and Mental Health Disorders
Depression rates have also surged due to these combined factors. The 2020 election cycle, exacerbated by the pandemic, showed a notable rise in depression. The pandemic alone further compounded this issue, with research showing a further increase in depression symptoms among U.S. adults during the pandemic.
Increased Substance Use
Substance use has also seen a marked increase as individuals turn to alcohol and other substances to cope with stress. The APA noted that nearly 19% of Americans increased their alcohol consumption during the 2020 election season. The opioid crisis also worsened, with a 30% increase in overdose deaths from 2019 to 2020, driven in part by the pandemic's stressors.
Social Media Impact
Social media, while providing crucial connections and information, has also contributed to the mental health crisis. During the 2016 and 2020 elections, social media was rife with misinformation and heightened polarization. Studies highlighted how fake news and divisive content increased stress and anxiety. The pandemic added another layer, with social media amplifying misinformation about COVID-19 and leading to increased anxiety and depression. The term "infodemic" coined by the World Health Organization captures the overwhelming and often misleading flood of information that people had to navigate during this time.
In conclusion, the intersection of election stress and pandemic fatigue has had profound effects on mental health. By acknowledging these impacts, you take the first step towards managing your mental well-being amidst these challenging times. Remember, recognizing the stressors is key to developing strategies for maintaining your sense of peace, hope, and security. Here are some thoughts about how to actively engage your mental health goals during a season of heightened stress.
Limit News and Social Media Consumption
It’s safe to assume that many of you reading this article have already decided who you’ll vote for or which issues matter most to you. Social media, however, is unlikely to facilitate a deep, intellectual examination of the policies and procedures at stake in a general election. I urge you to think critically about your use of social media and the timing of your news consumption. If social media isn’t providing the feelings, content, and connection you seek, consider adjusting your engagement. For instance, if you spend several hours a day on social media and find yourself feeling anxious, depressed, stressed, or disconnected, reducing your time on these platforms might be beneficial. When it comes to news journalism, try to choose a time that allows you to consume information thoughtfully. For example, consider reading your morning news after you’ve prepared for the day and centered yourself, rather than starting your morning with scrolling on your phone while still lying in bed.
Practice Mindfulness and Grounding Techniques
Lack of presence is often the root of anxiety. It can pull you into the past, amplifying shame over past decisions, or propel you into an uncertain future that is unlikely to materialize. Grounding and mindfulness are practices that, much like learning a new hobby or skill, help bring you back to the present moment. These techniques allow distractions and worries to pass by as you focus on where you are and when you are. A simple YouTube search can guide you in developing these practices. Mindfulness is especially effective when incorporated into your routine, potentially several times a day depending on the level of distress anxiety is causing in your life. Grounding techniques are often most useful in real-time when unwanted mental health symptoms arise. Be creative in establishing skills that can be applied both quickly and over intentional timeframes within your daily routine.
Focus On What You Can Control
Self-admittedly, one of the most challenging aspects of growing older—now into my 30s—is confronting the harsh reality of how little control I truly have. My two-year-old is a constant reminder of this powerlessness. I’m sure many of you have felt this same sense of helplessness, especially considering the tumultuous nature of the past decade. A way to navigate life’s uncertainties is to focus on what you can control. Engaging actively with your physical, emotional, and spiritual health is one such way. Small changes to your diet for better nutrition, developing a new hobby, connecting with a higher power, or immersing yourself in nature can all contribute to a greater sense of control over your life’s trajectory. These practices allow you to engage more fully with your own story while also creating the space to influence how that story unfolds.
Seek Support When Needed
Seeking support from a mental health professional can be a pivotal step towards improving your well-being. When you feel overwhelmed or uncertain, reaching out to a therapist or counselor provides a safe space to explore your thoughts and feelings. Leadlight Counseling will help match you with a professional whose approach resonates with you. We offer initial consultations to discuss your needs and goals. Regular sessions can help you develop coping strategies, gain new perspectives, and work through challenges. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength and a proactive step towards a healthier, more balanced life. Maybe one of the greatest votes you can cast this cycle is a vote in favor of your own health, happiness and wellbeing.
Sources:
https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2017/state-nation.pdf
https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2020/report-october#:~:text=As%20disruptions%20from%20the%20pandemic,at%20this%20time%20last%20year%20.
https://www.bu.edu/articles/2021/depression-rates-tripled-when-pandemic-first-hit/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1570677X22000879
https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2020/report-october#:~:text=As%20disruptions%20from%20the%20pandemic,at%20this%20time%20last%20year%20.
https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/trends-statistics/overdose-death-rates
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8502082/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7536964/
