HomeLocal NewsTake care of your mental health during election seasonTake care of your mental health during election seasonWed, November 4, 2020 by wcednewsSHARE NOW Undated – As the excitement of election day itself dies down and we are left with a lot of uncertainty while ballots are being counted and the results are being totaled, please take care of your emotional and mental well-being.Election years can already be stressful, this one particularly, with high tensions in the country and the COVID-19 pandemic still being worked through.CLICK HERE to see a guide and list of mental health resources available in Pennsylvania. Tips for mental health during elections: Check in with how you’re feelingFirst, notice how you feel at the moment and how election news can change your mood. If your shoulders are suddenly almost touching your ears each time you hear more news about the election, there’s a good chance that you need to take a breather. Take a break from the news if you need itDon’t be afraid to step away from the computer, phone, radio, TV, or newspaper. The news will still be there when you get back. Instead of “doom scrolling” on your phone and only reading election news, give yourself permission to only check the news once an hour on your phone. Step outside and enjoy the nice weather we’re having this week. Play with your kids, walk the dog, bake a cake, or indulge in your favorite movie. Set boundaries about how much you want to talk about the election with people like friends and coworkersBe honest with your friends, family, and coworkers. If you cannot handle any more talk about the election, simply tell them or politely remove yourself from the conversation. Focus on things that matter deeply to you, like familyTake this time to refocus your energy. You have already cast your ballot and have done what you can do during this election. Allow yourself to focus on other things that are important to you. https://www.health.com/condition/stress/election-stress-disorder
