Three Tips For Surviving Election Day
Last month, I offered five tips for navigating political discussions during election season. Well, Election Day is officially, finally, upon us.
I hope you made it without incident!
Still, we’re not out of the woods just yet. As we await the results of the election, here are some things to keep in mind in the coming hours, days, weeks, and months.
Be patient.
It’s possible that we’ll know the results of the election on Tuesday night. It is much more likely, however, that we won’t know for several days or possibly weeks.
For many, this burden might feel like too much to bear. After all, the Democratic primary debates began in June 2019. That was 16 months ago. The journey to this point has been long, but we may need to wait just a little bit longer.
I can do that. You can do that. We can do that.
If we do not have a winner for several days or weeks, try your best to keep a sense of balance in your life. Staying glued to the TV (or Twitter) 24/7 awaiting the latest election news and developments is not good for your mental (or physical) health. Stick to your routines, whether it’s going for a run in the park, taking the dog for a walk, or reading your latest book before bed.
Whatever you would normally do during this time, do it. Eventually, the result will come.
Be kind.
Regardless of who wins the election, tens of millions of Americans will be elated and relieved, and tens of millions of Americans will be devastated and upset. Be mindful of that. It’s certainly okay to be happy if your candidate wins, but that doesn’t mean you should provoke friends, family, or strangers who may have voted for the losing candidate.
It may be difficult to ignore certain comments or conversations – either in person or online – but try your best to resist. As I mentioned a month ago, it’s typically best to avoid political discussions on social media. If you have an urge to say something, it might be better to write a post of your own as opposed to responding to someone else’s. Either way, be mindful about what you put in writing. You do not want your words to alienate family and friends or cause harm to your personal or professional life.
At the end of the day, we are all Americans, and we are all human. Treat others how you would want to be treated.
Be prepared.
You might be convinced that your candidate will win, but as history has shown, anything can happen in an election. There’s a very real chance that the candidate you feel is a shoo-in could lose.
If that happens, it might be tempting to lash out at the other side (Ugh, what is wrong with them?! How can they support this?!) or play the blame game (Ugh, why did my friend vote third party? They live in a swing state, too!) or lose perspective (America is ending! The world is ending!)
There’s a lot at stake in this election, it’s true. But no matter what happens – no matter who wins – I can promise you at least one thing: we will keep going!
If your candidate wins, great. If your candidate loses, not all is lost. Lean on friends and family for support, get up, dust yourself off, and work to bring about the change you wish to see in the world.
If all else fails, well, that’s what anxiety therapy is for. Please call or email, as needed. No absentee ballot required.
Whatever happens, we will get through it together.
Dr. Amelia Powelson is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), and the owner of Perspective Psychology, LLC. She can be reached at 312.588.9672 or amelia@perspectivepsychchicago.com.