By: Samantha Caldwell
As we navigate the tumultuous waters of this election cycle, many individuals report feeling as though their lives have been overtaken by the political climate. Symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, and weight gain are becoming increasingly common, particularly in light of the divisive rhetoric from prominent figures.
In recent weeks, I have found myself frequently waking up at night with an elevated heart rate, snapping at family members, and experiencing a spike in blood pressure each time I check social media or tune into the news. My kitchen has transformed into a makeshift bakery, with cookies being prepared under the guise of treating my children, while I indulge in stress eating. My visits to the local liquor store have notably increased, and I’ve observed the owners displaying a mixture of exhaustion and unexpected joy—perhaps due to the uptick in business.
As I write this, I’m mindlessly consuming a stash of Halloween candy that I intended to share with my children while obsessively refreshing polling data on FiveThirtyEight. Instead of uniting the country, this election seems to be fostering unhealthy habits fueled by anxiety and despair.
Historically, future scholars might label this collective anxiety as a significant psychological phenomenon, potentially even leading to an addition in the DSM to address the pervasive stress associated with this election. For many of us prone to anxiety (raises hand), it feels like we are navigating through a pit of despair filled with fear, misinformation, and a general sense of hopelessness.
The emotional toll of witnessing individuals I care about support a candidate whose actions and words are often alarming has been particularly distressing. It leads me to question the state of humanity.
Here are several ways my coping mechanisms have faltered throughout this election:
- Each time I read yet another outrageous statement made by a political figure, I find myself chewing my nails in disbelief.
- I’ve resorted to unfollowing friends on social media to shield myself from the constant stream of misinformation, all while considering whether a midday drink is a suitable choice.
- A recent podcast revealed that a significant portion of the population still holds onto outdated beliefs about political figures, prompting me to contemplate my escape routes to Canada.
- I check polling sites repeatedly, often accompanied by the consumption of donuts—sometimes a whole box, because why not?
- Seeing friends dress in politically charged costumes during Halloween has left me worried about their views and the future of their children, making me question our shared reality.
- Videos from political rallies fuel my anxiety, leaving me to practice deep-breathing exercises as I ponder the implications of their potential actions post-election.
- After reading a newspaper article dismissing fact-checkers, I often find solace in baking, consuming my creations before they can be shared.
- Even comedians appear overwhelmed by the absurdity of the situation, which only amplifies my frustration at home, resulting in me snapping at my kids to keep the peace.
- Political discourse in online comments sections often escalates into heated arguments, driving me to pour myself a glass of wine to cope.
- My young child has even begun to ask if “the bad man” is gone, which makes me consider enrolling her in self-defense classes for her future protection.
- News reports hinting at potential disputes over election results only deepen my gratitude for not living near supporters of divisive figures.
Clearly, my coping strategies are lacking, and I am not alone in feeling this way.
In the upcoming week, let’s give ourselves and one another the grace to be irritable as we navigate this difficult period. Once the election concludes, we can reconnect with friends and family and turn our focus toward the upcoming holiday season, a time that should bring joy rather than stress.
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Summary:
The election cycle is taking a toll on many individuals, causing anxiety, stress, and unhealthy coping mechanisms. As we approach the conclusion of this event, it’s essential to acknowledge our feelings and allow ourselves some grace. Resources for family planning and home insemination are available for those interested in exploring these options.
Keyphrase: The psychological toll of the election cycle
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