Election Anxiety is Real; How to navigate and cope with stress

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — "You're not alone" says Senior Clinical Director Chelsea Mueller.

Chelsea works at Heritage Behavioral Health Center. She shares 7 out of 10 people are experiencing higher rates of anxiety related to the election.

With the candidate results just hours away, Chelsea says it's normal to be feeling elevated levels of stress with the anticipation. The stakes feel high, and many Americans feel their personal values are on the line.

"When you see headlines about things you really care about, it can fuel this internal stress response." That response, she adds, is not uncommon. In fact, it's extremely normal for the body to feel this way.

Chelsea is encouraging everyone to navigate these feelings through a therapeutic process called radical acceptance; a tactic to focus on what you can control, versus overthinking the future and everything out of your control.

"Being able to understand that this is a very important time in our country, and yes there is a lot on the line. Yes, I'm anxious. But I've done my part and did what I needed to do to represent my own beliefs and values."

Chelsea describes election stress as "worries of the unknown." But practicing mindfulness and living in the present, can help.

She also encourages those feeling anxious to put down the phone and stop the "doomscrolling"- also known as excessive time on social media.

"While it's important to stay informed, it is also important to give yourself some rest. Nobody can be taking in information that heavy 24/7 and not feel anxious."

Chelsea also advises those feeling overwhelmed to limit conversations of politics, and try to spend more time doing physical activities.