"Why Are Elections So Stressful?"

This leaves young adults with the fun task of making decisions that will shape the future of others and their own. No pressure :)

Election Stress Explained

With everyone voicing their opinions, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The stakes seem high, and it can feel like so much is riding on one day. Before, when you were fed up with political talk you could just flip the TV channel and go about your day but, with the rise of social media, young adults feel trapped in a constant cycle of short-form content trying to sway them one way or another. This can feel even more overwhelming since most of the Ads are framed in a way that makes you feel guilty or ashamed for making a choice that is different from what it advertises.

How to Spot Election Anxiety

So how are you supposed to know if you are having election anxiety? Well, there's not one main answer but more so a group of feelings and situations that arise as election day creeps near.
This can look like:

• Feeling unable to rest or sleep with thoughts such as “What could happen if [insert political outcome here]?”
  
  
• Feeling scared of possible political consequences
• For example: An increase in hate crimes
  
  
• You’re avoiding certain topics with friends or family
  
  
• Your phone feels like a stress bomb waiting to explode every time you check notifications

Coping Strategies That Actually Work

• Take control of your timeline:
  Mute words or accounts that make your anxiety spike. You don’t have to engage in every debate.
• Breathe it out:
  Seriously, deep breathing sounds simple, but when you’re doom-scrolling at 1 AM, taking a few minutes to breathe can reset your stress.
• Get moving:
  You don’t need a full workout—just stretch, walk, or vibe to your favorite playlist for a while.
• Limit election talk:
  It’s okay to tell your friends, ‘I need a break from politics right now.’ Set boundaries, even in your group chats.

• Vote, then chill:
  You’ve done your part by voting. After that, remind yourself that you’ve done what you can.
  

When Stress Becomes Too Much

Sometimes, stress builds up and starts to affect more than just your mood—it can mess with your sleep, make you avoid people, or even make daily life feel overwhelming. If your election anxiety feels like it’s taking over, it’s important to take a step back and recognize that it’s okay to need help. Constant worry, panic attacks, or feeling hopeless are signs that you might benefit from talking to someone.

Reaching out to a therapist or mental health professional doesn’t have to be a huge deal—it’s about giving yourself the support you deserve. At Dreavita Counseling Coaching & Consulting, you can connect with professionals who are experienced in helping people navigate tough emotional waters, whether it's election stress or anything else that feels like too much. It’s confidential, judgment-free, and focused on helping you feel more grounded, no matter what’s happening around you.

Don’t hesitate to take that step if you need it. Therapy isn’t just for when things are really bad; it’s also about learning how to manage stress and anxiety so they don’t build up in the first place.

Wrap-Up: Your Mental Health Comes First

At the end of the day, election seasons come and go, but your mental health is here to stay. It’s easy to get caught up in the noise and pressure of the moment, but taking care of yourself needs to come first. You don’t have to go through it alone—whether it’s setting boundaries, practicing mindfulness, or reaching out for professional support like what Dreavita offers, there are ways to regain control and feel more at peace.

Remember, regardless of what happens on election day, your well-being matters most. You’ve got the power to protect your mental health—and that’s something no vote can change.

TL;DR: Election stress is common, especially with nonstop political content online. If you're feeling anxious, set boundaries, limit your media intake, and take breaks from election talk. After voting, relax—your part is done. If the stress becomes overwhelming, reach out to a professional, like Dreavita Counseling. Your mental health matters more than any election result.