Finding Peace in Political Turmoil: Strategies for Coping and Self-Care

To say the current state of politics is polarizing is an understatement. If you’re a person who enjoys the political scene, this may not feel like a huge ordeal. But if you’re someone who is just trying to get through it, it can be a large source of anxiety.

No matter where you turn, whether on television, social media, gaming apps, radio shows, or newspapers, you will be bombarded with political content. You may find yourself experiencing heightened stress levels, anxiety, fear of the unknown, and unease over political discourse. By implementing some strategies for coping and self-care, you can work to protect your overall well-being. 

Be Mindful About Media Consumption

These days, it’s hard to avoid media. We’re on a 24-hour newsfeed and have access to anything we want at the tips of our fingertips. This constant flow of information can easily pull us in and under. Staying informed is important, but if your mental health is starting to take a hit, you may want to reconsider how you’re interacting with your media. There is such a thing as overexposure, so be mindful of your habits.

Avoid doom scrolling or engaging with triggering sources if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Set designated times that you will allow yourself to catch up on the news. Work on finding a happy balance between staying engaged and giving yourself a break.

Focus on What You Can Control

With political chaos all around, it can be hard to turn off the anxiety it produces. You may find yourself feeling out of sorts, angry, or a plethora of other emotions. Unfortunately, political anxiety can also lead to headaches, irritability, nausea, appetite changes, and sleep disruption.

One way to help channel your anxious feelings is by focusing on things you can control. Help spread information and educate others. Get involved in your local community — campaign directly with candidates you support, find like-minded allies, and disengage from hateful and divisive rhetoric. Staying connected in meaningful and productive ways can help you regain your sense of control and lessen anxious feelings.

Build Yourself a Support Network

Battling anxiety and negative emotions is not a task that you should have to do alone. Isolating yourself will only create additional problems. During this challenging time, having a solid support system that you can turn to can be crucial. Find like-minded people who share similar values and can provide understanding. Not every one of your friends and family is going to be on the same side of the political fence, so this may be individuals outside of that circle. Community groups are also a good place to turn to. Feel out where your close circle resides on these matters and create boundaries about what conversations you are and aren’t willing to engage in.

Practice Logical Thinking

Politics can turn simple conversations into heated discussions and bring out different sides of people you may not have realized were there. It can be easy to jump on the bandwagon with anger and fuel all the fires around you, directly or indirectly, with your actions. Instead, practice remaining cool, calm, and collected. Take a beat before you respond to statements. Refrain from engaging in non-productive social media interactions. After giving yourself a moment to collect your thoughts, consider whether certain interactions will create productive dialog or worsen your mental health. 

Seek Professional Treatment

Navigating through times of political turmoil isn’t always easy. Your mental health should be your top priority. Using coping strategies can certainly help, but you may need a bit more help. Contact us today for additional guidance.

---

Through Therapy Collective

Our team of culturally competent therapists is here to offer a warm and safe space to help you navigate life’s hardships with a sense of encouragement and empathy. Find out more >