I am having a very difficult time in this last week before the U.S. election. Anxiety, depression, and stress are all at high levels, and I do not feel that I am coping very well. I have voted early already, but even the comfort from doing so was short lived.
Does anyone have any advice, ways they have found to help keep themselves emotionally buoyant in this tumultuous campaign year?
Right now you have done everything you can (unless you are active in campaigning itself).
So forget about it.
Accept that it is out of your control, nothing you can do now will change anything and avoid all media, conversations etc as much as possible.
I know it's a bit flippant, but seriously do things for yourself that you enjoy and avoid everything stressful as it's done now until the result.
This is one of those times I actually agree with distraction techniques because you can't control the external forces (in this case, the election event). Computer games, reading , cinema, sport, enjoy what you can until the result...then accept that (unlike a certain person didn't do last time) and work with that, when it arrives.
Deep breaths. You have done everything you can. Nothing more to do. No need to carry the weight of the world, let others do that.
You did your due diligence, so I would suggest shut everything down. Turn off news shows. Set your phone down. Enjoy some nature, soft music, silence, fresh air. Just breathe.
Silver said it best here. Give yourself the grace to know that you did what you thought was best and that this too for better or worse will pass. The past 3 US elections or so have been treated like the fate of the universe was in the balance. And while you can argue the position can literally reshape the world, we're still here and not a whole lot has changed. Same shit, different color / flavor.
Focus inward, do what you can that is best for you, your family, and your friends. Live by your example and values. Effect change at a personal level and send your energy outwards with everyone you see and meet. Try to maintain positivity. I know it's hard, I certainly struggle with it.
Memes (especially cute animal posts) and shitposting help me a lot.
Love you, too
