Election Hangover? Tips to Protect Your Well-Being
Day 6 of 30
As a dedicated mental health advocate and counsellor, I’ve come to value just how powerful open, honest conversations about mental health can be. This November, I’m embarking on a 30-day writing journey, sharing a new mental health article each day, not only to raise awareness but to raise funds for Movember.
There is so much political noise at the moment. With endless news coverage, intense debates, and social media commentary, it’s easy to feel exhausted by the “election hangover", even if we’re not directly involved in the political process and even prior to the results of the US elections. The emotional toll that the elections can have is particularly intense due to the global focus on every stage, stirring up stress, anxiety, and even burnout. I'm very aware and understand that navigating this kind of overwhelming atmosphere can affect anyone's mental well-being.
In this article, I will explore why election-related stress happens and share practical tips for looking after yourself during and after the election period. Remember that prioritising your mental health is important, regardless of how invested you are in the outcome or how much noise there is in general.
Understanding the Election Hangover
What is Election Hangover? Election hangover is a term used to describe the lingering mental and emotional exhaustion that follows an election cycle. With constant media coverage and updates, it’s common to feel everything from heightened anxiety to hopelessness or anger. For those in the LGBTQIA+ community or other vulnerable groups, elections often carry additional personal implications, adding emotional strain. While it’s natural to care about the outcome, it’s equally important to prioritise your mental health during this time.
Why Does It Affect Us? Election coverage can stir powerful emotions because it impacts issues we deeply care about. Social media, where everyone has a platform to voice their strong opinions, amplifies this effect and can exacerbate stress by creating an echo chamber. By recognising this, you can start to make more conscious decisions about how you engage with election-related content.
Self-Care Tips to Survive Election Noise
1. Limit Your News and Social Media Consumption.
While staying informed is essential, too much exposure to election news can fuel anxiety and irritability. Set limits on how much time you spend watching news or scrolling through social media. Consider scheduling check-ins once or twice a day, and avoid consuming election coverage first thing in the morning or before bed.
Instead of endlessly scrolling, try subscribing to a neutral news source that provides important updates in a concise format. This way, you stay informed without being overwhelmed. It's important to limit and unplug from your devices, and at Bent Couch Counselling, we offer resources to help with managing digital boundaries if you’re struggling to disconnect.
2. Focus on your physical health to boost Mental Resilience.
Physical well-being has a direct impact on mental health, so it’s essential to maintain your routines even during stressful periods. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and quality sleep can make a difference in how you process stress. Incorporate mindfulness exercises like deep breathing or meditation to re-centre your thoughts.
Another helpful technique is grounding, which can reduce anxiety by connecting you with the present moment. Try a quick “5-4-3-2-1” exercise: list five things you can see, four you can touch, three you can hear, two you can smell, and one you can taste. These grounding exercises help calm the nervous system, giving you more control over emotional responses.
3. Seek support and connect with like-minded communities.
Isolation can exacerbate election stress, so reach out to friends, family, or support groups who understand what you’re experiencing. Engaging with a community that shares your values can provide comfort and perspective. LGBTQIA+ people who may feel particularly affected by election results have a safe and welcoming space at Bent Couch Counselling.
Consider joining supportive groups, online or in person, that focus on healthy discussions rather than heated debates. If election-related stress is beginning to affect your mental health more deeply, speaking to a counsellor can provide strategies to manage and process these feelings.
If the outcome isn’t what you had hoped for
It’s natural to feel disappointed or even disheartened if the election outcome isn’t what you had hoped for. These feelings are valid, especially if the result impacts issues you care about deeply. Processing this disappointment can take time, so give yourself the space to feel your emotions without judgement.
Steps to Help Process Disappointment:
Accept Your Feelings: Allow yourself to feel what comes up, whether it’s sadness, frustration, or even anger. Suppressing emotions can often make things worse, so acknowledge them as they arise.
Reframe Your Perspective: Try to focus on aspects you can control, such as making a positive impact within your community. Often, small acts of kindness and local involvement can create a sense of empowerment.
Take Action on Personal Values: If the outcome isn’t favourable, consider ways to advocate for issues you care about. Volunteering, joining local groups, or supporting advocacy initiatives can redirect feelings of helplessness into purposeful action.
If the disappointment feels overwhelming, remember that you don’t have to navigate it alone. Connecting with a counsellor can help you unpack these feelings and explore ways to regain a sense of hope and agency.
After the Election: Managing Ongoing Impact
Once the election is over, take time to unwind and refocus on personal goals. Be intentional in shifting your attention from politics to activities that bring you joy. Whether it’s reconnecting with a hobby, spending time with loved ones, or simply resting, honour this time to restore balance.
Election cycles can feel chaotic and unsettling, but taking proactive steps to protect your mental health allows you to remain resilient and grounded. Remember, you’re not alone in this experience. Bent Couch Counselling is here to support you with resources, counselling sessions, and a community that understands the impact of election-related stress.
For more information on managing anxiety and maintaining well-being during turbulent times, visit our website or book a free Discovery Call today. Looking after your mental health amidst election noise isn’t just important—it’s essential
These articles tackle vital topics related to mental well-being, many of them drawn directly from my own experiences and insights gained through my work in Bent Couch Counselling.
Movember’s mission is to support men’s mental health, address prostate and testicular cancer, and prevent suicide, which is a cause close to my heart. My personal connection to Gay Fathers Worldwide has encouraged me to raise $10,000 as part of Movember. I encourage you to donate here to an incredible cause.
By sharing personal perspectives and strategies over these 30 days, I hope to foster deeper understanding and connection around mental health issues. This project is about more than just reading or writing; it's about taking action.
I hope sharing my experience can be a guide, perhaps even a comfort, for others on a similar path.