Managing Political Conflict and Election Anxiety
Political conflict and change are normal features of life, but in times of heightened tension and polarization, they can cause widespread anxiety. The more closely a person's political stances are tied to their core values and beliefs, the more they may worry about the consequences of elections and other political changes. When "your side" loses, it can feel like the world is going off track in terrible and permanent ways. You can feel personally threatened in ways that trigger deep and uncomfortable emotions. How can you manage your anxiety in times of political conflict and change while also remaining engaged in positive ways? After all, civic engagement is the cornerstone of democracy. The more people are involved in positive ways, the healthier your society and your communities will be. Following are some suggestions from mental health experts about how to stay involved while attending to your own wellbeing.
