As we head into another election season, it’s hard not to feel the weight of the stress and anxiety that seems to be permeating our country. The political climate is increasingly charged, the headlines are relentless, and it seems like every day brings new reasons that can lead to overwhelm and stress. Whether it’s the latest debate, breaking news, or discussions around the dinner table, emotions are running high on all sides.
For many, this election—and the world we’re living in—feels like it’s asking us to carry more than ever before, far more than we are capable. It’s not just about who wins the upcoming election….the current environment impacts our mental health in ways that extend beyond voting day. The stress and anxiety swirling around us can affect relationships, emotional and spiritual well-being, physical health, and our ability to get through the day with some peace of mind.
That’s why taking care of yourself is crucial, no matter your beliefs or where you stand on the political spectrum. It doesn’t matter if you’re deeply invested in every policy detail or trying to avoid politics altogether—stress during times like this is universal. The key to managing this overwhelm lies in finding balance, protecting your energy and well-being, and focusing on what you can control.
The Importance of Self-Care—For Everyone
Caring for yourself in the midst of this turmoil is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. We live in a world where the expectation to stay informed, remain engaged, and fight for what you believe in can often overshadow the importance of your own mental and emotional health.
But here’s the truth: you can’t pour from an empty cup. This sentiment may sound cliche, but over and over, I’ve found it to be accurate, both for myself and our clients and loved ones. If you’re not taking care of yourself, you’ll struggle to care for others or effectively advocate for the causes that matter to you. Burnout, fatigue, and anxiety aren’t selective—they affect everyone, regardless of political beliefs or how much you’re following the election and news.
Self-care is not about disengaging from the world around us; it’s about creating space for resilience. It’s about recognizing that protecting your well-being will allow you to show up in your life and for others in a way that’s more grounded, calm, and compassionate.
Managing Stress Together
This blog series will offer concrete strategies for navigating this stressful time, whether that means learning to set boundaries around political conversations, finding healthy ways to discuss differences with loved ones, or taking time to step away from the constant barrage of news to find peace in your daily life.
We’ll be covering topics like:
- Tools for Staying Grounded: Techniques like mindfulness and deep breathing to manage anxiety and overwhelm.
- Having Hard Conversations: Strategies for approaching political differences with empathy and respect.
- Setting Boundaries: Practical ways to limit news consumption and create mental space to breathe.
- Finding Joy Amidst the Chaos: Ways to connect to joy and strategies that help to remind yourself that it’s okay to seek happiness and peace, even when the world feels heavy.
This series is for everyone—whether you’re deeply concerned about the future, trying to avoid it all, or somewhere in between. It’s about helping you find ways to care for yourself, reconnect with those you care about, and move forward with purpose and compassion.
The Bigger Picture
We may not all agree on political issues, but we can agree on one thing: navigating these times can be incredibly challenging and stressful. The constant tension and polarization can strain relationships, isolate us from those we care about, and leave us anxious and overwhelmed.
No matter your political stance, you deserve a safe space to process these emotions and find relief. Taking care of yourself is not only okay—it’s essential. We hope this blog series can offer that—a place where you can find tools, support, and comfort as you navigate the weeks ahead. Therapy can also provide a nonjudgmental space to explore your feelings, learn coping strategies, and gain the support you need to navigate these tumultuous times with more clarity and peace of mind.
Stay tuned for our next post, where we’ll explore strategies for coping with painful news in tumultuous times and how to find peace amidst the chaos.
About the Author
Sarah Long, PsyD, LCP, CEDS
Dr. Sarah Long is a gifted psychologist with 16+ years of experience helping people to heal from the impacts of traumatic events and recover from eating disorders. Dr. Long leads the Eating Disorder team at Catalyst, provides EMDR, Psychedelic Assisted Therapy. Dr. Long also uses her expertise in Collaborative Therapeutic Assessment to evaluate complex Eating Disorder cases and provide guidance for treatment.
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