As we navigate this tumultuous election period, it feels as though our lives have been commandeered by the chaos surrounding us. My anxiety has reached new heights; I find myself waking in the middle of the night with a racing heart, snapping at loved ones more frequently, and feeling my stress levels surge every time I engage with the news. I’ve taken to baking cookies under the guise of making treats for my children, yet they seem more for my own comfort. My visits to the liquor store have increased significantly, and the owners appear both weary and relieved by the business.
At this moment, I’m indulging in my children’s Halloween candy while obsessively refreshing polling sites like FiveThirtyEight. I can’t help but feel that this election is not making America better; rather, it’s transforming us into stressed-out individuals with unhealthy coping mechanisms.
I suspect that future historians will label this period of collective anxiety, perhaps even creating a new category in the DSM to address the mental strain we’ve all experienced. After this ordeal, it will feel like we’re emerging from a deep pit filled with fear, misinformation, and division.
The most distressing aspect of this situation has been the pervasive sadness that comes from witnessing friends and family blindly supporting a divisive figure. It’s disheartening and leaves me worried about the state of humanity as we move forward.
Here’s a glimpse of how my coping strategies have fallen short:
- I find myself reading about yet another outrageous comment made by Donald, leading to nail-biting stress.
- I’ve hidden friends on social media due to their relentless sharing of misinformation, while considering if a beer at lunch is a reasonable choice.
- Listening to a podcast reveals that a significant portion of the population still believes false narratives, prompting me to contemplate relocating to Canada.
- I compulsively check the latest polls, often while consuming an entire box of donuts.
- I see friends dressing up as political figures for Halloween, which makes me anxious for their futures and those of their families.
- Videos from Trump rallies fill me with dread about potential violence, which leads me to practice deep breathing techniques.
- Reading the news reveals disbelief in fact-checking, prompting me to retreat to the kitchen and bake pumpkin bread—only to consume it all before anyone else can.
- Even comedians are struggling to address the absurdity of this election, which triggers me to yell at my kids out of frustration.
- The comment sections of political posts ignite arguments that drive me to drink wine for relief.
- Even my 5-year-old has noticed the tension, asking when the “bad man” will be gone, making me consider enrolling her in self-defense classes.
- Hearing that Trump may resist conceding if he loses heightens my anxiety about living near his supporters.
Clearly, I am not coping well, and I doubt I am alone in this experience. For the upcoming week, let’s extend grace to one another, allowing space for irritation and discomfort until this election concludes. After that, we can return to our regular lives—where we can worry about the holidays instead.
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In conclusion, the stress and anxiety stemming from this election cycle are palpable, affecting our mental and physical well-being. As we navigate through these turbulent times, it’s essential to prioritize self-care and remain connected with one another, recognizing that we are all in this together.
Keyphrase: election anxiety and coping mechanisms
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