The 2024 election cycle is causing a stir amongst Americans. A provoked hostility, intense debates around the health status of the President, who, interestingly, also battles COVID-19, have sown discord all around. As the bid for power intensifies, both political factions present this battle as a do-or-die moment for the nation. Independent candidates adding to the chaos doesn’t help either. The political atmosphere in the country has turned scorching hot, and the constant noise surrounding the Trump v. Biden rematch is proving hard to tune out.
With all the rising tension, it’s no surprise if you’re feeling uneasy. As per an annual survey conducted by the American Psychiatric Association, about 73% of Americans are especially anxious about the upcoming 2024 elections. Embracing the spirit of Pixar’s well-received movie, Inside Out 2, we’ve crafted a guide to help you through the emotional upheaval this electoral season might bring along.
Election anxiety, as a specific type of stress, is at an all-time high. If your heartbeat races at every news update, join the club. A recent survey by Yahoo News/YouGov indicated that 60% of the respondents were quite anxious about the upcoming election. Lynn Bufka, a renowned clinical psychologist, explains that election anxiety is a wide spectrum, ranging from stress about the election results to the tense atmosphere generated by intense campaign rhetoric.
As humans, our brains have evolved to develop a response system for potential threats, Bufka notes. This is largely the source of our election-related worry. She says, ‘The confusion arising from our physiological reactions and the external factors create this experience of feeling anxious.’
As per Bufka, becoming accustomed to uncertainty can help manage this anxiety. She recommends political involvement or contributing towards a social cause. It not only alleviates anxiety by giving you a sense of control but also stimulates the feeling of making a difference and advancing towards a certain goal.
The American dream of a united nation seems to be dwindling. The country has increasingly become more partisan over the years. The declining political norms, leading to congressional stalemate, hints at the dwindling spirit of compromise amongst Washington policymakers. The citizens, too, show a disturbing trend of division based on political leanings, making it almost primal.
With the growing hostility and amplified campaign rhetoric, it’s getting harder for Americans to harbor any fondness for the opposite party. The phenomenon of ‘in-groups’ and ‘outgroups’, as per long-existing research, has significantly widened the divides. The ease at which certain groups are alienated based on their different political beliefs is a growing concern.
People of differing political viewpoints are easily categorized as ‘them’, making it easier to dismiss and attack them, further breeding divisions. Bufka points out this dangerous trend: ‘Fundamentally what’s happening is that we’re failing to see our similarities.’
Managing hyper-partisanship can be a grueling task, especially when the opposing party’s ideologies seem to pose a significant threat to your security or the stability of the country. But remembering the shared goals and values becomes crucial at this point, be it as basic as the safety of your loved ones, or other essential aspects like education, healthcare, and employment.
Believing in the common good can help bridge the divide. ‘Maintaining relationships with people of different viewpoints can temper the distress about your interests never being taken to heart.’ she states, acknowledging the tough challenge.
With the advent of the internet age, news is continuously streaming to our pockets. They are no longer only about natural disasters or global conflicts. The heightened drama between Biden and Trump is only adding to the noise. It is needless to say, the relentless influx of articles, polls, and notifications is more than overwhelming.
Bufka suggests taking a break from the constant stream of news. ‘Most of the news hardly changes drastically that we need to be monitored around the clock,’ she says. A continuous flow of information without the capacity to address it all can lead to a potent mix of overwhelming emotions. She cautions that being excessively informed might not necessarily equip you to handle the problems you care about.
Regulating the manner, timing, and frequency of news updates is within our control, which can significantly aid in managing anxiety.’ she advises. She also suggests spending more time reconnecting with nature to detach and get perspective.
The bleak view of a warming planet, a democracy in jeopardy, and a populace deeply suspicious of each other spells nothing short of doom. Bufka comments, ‘There’s a lot of uncertainty with people projecting negative potential outcomes for whatever we’re facing. It seems like irrespective of their political leaning, people fear that things will not turn out favorably.’
She advises taking action for the issues at risk due to the election, or promoting voting can help you regain a sense of control. Social engagement with like-minded individuals is also crucial for reducing anxiety. ‘Social connection and support make a huge difference,’ she advises.
Feeling a bit of election-related stress isn’t necessarily negative; rather, it’s an indicator that you care. ‘Our emotions can be a good driver for us to act,’ states Bufka. However, when these emotions become unbearably overwhelming, they can hamper your productivity and mental well-being. As the election cycle winds to a close, it’s important to bear these tips in mind and prioritise taking care of yourself.
2024 Elections: The Hotbed of Rising American Anxiety appeared first on Real News Now.
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