This article is written on the precipice of the 2024 U.S. presidential election, one of the most divisive of the last few generations. Whether you’re reading this while votes are being tallied or after the fact, you along with millions of other Americans may be dealing with strong feelings of election anxiety and stress. Even if your preferred candidate becomes the POTUS you may fear potential repercussions. And it certainly doesn’t help that the media continues to perpetuate this fear with repeated recollections of insurrections and the like. Nor does it help that movies such as Civil War are trending across streaming platforms to paint a picture of what may unfold if results go one way or another. No matter where you look and listen, you’re essentially being told that remaining calm is not an option. That is, until you arrived here at Kindbridge Behavioral Health. Please keep reading.
How Kindbridge is Here to Support Millions of Americans Struggling with Anxiety Related to the 2024 Presidential Election and Beyond
Because You Have No One Else to Talk To Right Now
A new poll from the American Psychological Association (APA) has uncovered that current election anxiety is causing many Americans to avoid family and friends who may not share the same political opinions. 32% of those surveyed indicate that the current political climate has caused a strain between themselves and family members, while 30% have limited the time they spend with these family members. Further, about 50% admit that tensions around political topics make them want to disconnect from others. Keep in mind that these are people (friends and family) that one may normally confide in when struggling with anxiety and stress. This leaves millions on their own. Sound familiar?
Now, perhaps more than ever, is the time to reach out to speak to a counselor about what you are going through. Kindbridge is on standby and ready for your call during the final hours of the election along with the days, weeks, and months (etc.) after the proverbial dust has settled.
Healing Division Between Spouses and Partners
Ridiculous insinuations have been making the rounds that a spouse voting against their partner is the same thing as having an affair. While this is an extreme example of the division the current election is causing between married couples and partners, political differences are a very real problem for romantic unions. Research indicates that about 10% of American couples have ended a relationship because of political differences. The same study (conducted during the 2016 election) found that one-third stated that they would consider getting a divorce if their spouse backed the opposing candidate. This number may very well be higher today in 2024.
In either case, intervention via couples counseling is recommended if political division is driving a wedge between what is otherwise a “happy” marriage/relationship. Don’t wait and see what will happen as time passes in America’s new political era (whomever’s regime it may be) as the disunity between you and your companion will likely become stronger without help.
Healing Division Between Households + Families
The American National Election Study (ANES) conducted after the 2020 presidential election indicated that family relationships weren’t as torn apart as the narrative at the time had many people thinking. An overwhelming majority (85%) indicated that the consequences of political differences were minimal, although the 15% experiencing moderate to strong consequences is nothing to shake a stick at. However, as the 2024 survey referenced above indicates, the divide between families has more than doubled from one presidential term to the next. While dissolution of casual friendships and association with coworkers may be a side effect of political division that you are willing to live with, compromised familial relationships should not be.
Kindbridge offers virtual counseling services for families who may be struggling during this unique time. Connect online or by phone together today.
Ongoing Support for Post-Election Uncertainty
A wide body of research confirms that uncertainty is a significant contributor to anxiety, in particular among those who already struggle with anxiety. These individuals tend to experience heightened distress when faced with ambiguous or unknown situations which can manifest in increased worry and negative emotions. Considering this, it’s easy to see how post-election scenarios that may or may not unfold can impact one’s mental wellbeing.
If you have, or suspect that you have, struggled with anxiety in the past and you feel negative emotions building up around the election, consider it critical to speak to a therapist who specializes in the treatment of anxiety. That being said, even those who are experiencing signs and symptoms of anxiety for the first time will greatly benefit from counseling as well.
Election Anxiety Anger Management
Have you experienced feelings of anger and irritability towards others leading up to the election? If so, these feelings will likely remain to some extent because opposing views persist even after the new POTUS has been decided. While you may consider these feelings to be isolated from those associated with anxiety, the latter and the former (anger) are known to cooccur. The Kindbridge platform offers virtual treatment for anxiety in addition to anger management services to account for associated issues.
Alternative to Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms
You may feel as if you can deal with election anxiety and stress on your own, but how exactly do you plan to do this? If it involves turning to a variety of activities to serve as a distraction you could be entering problematic territory.
Examples of coping mechanisms that people often use to distract from anxiety which can become habitual and eventually compulsive for millions of vulnerable Americans include (but are not exclusive to) the following:
- Unhealthy gambling (casino gaming and sports betting)
- Unhealthy video gaming
- Unhealthy consumption of pornography
- Unhealthy sexual practices
- Unhealthy substance use (alcohol and drugs)
There are certainly variables involved when it comes to a habit becoming a compulsion, such as cooccurring mental health disorders and genetic predispositions, but many Americans are not aware of these vulnerabilities. That is why it is best to not lean on any of the above coping mechanisms to deal with election anxiety. Instead, let Kindbridge be your healthy outlet.
Whatever does or does not occur today, tomorrow, and in the near future, Kindbridge is here for you and your loved ones. Connect to a care coordinator via your preferred method of contact below.
Concerned About Your Mental Health in the Current Political Climate?
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