A vote for sanity

As the 2024 presidential election quickly approaches, the country's divided political climate has left many people feeling anxious, tense or worried for the future. Karen McNeely, APRN, an advanced practice registered nurse with Baptist Behavioral Health, warned these feelings cause more than just election fatigue; the stress of the season can harm your mental health.

“People are very passionate about the issues and their chosen candidates,” McNeely said. “The uptick in media coverage and 24/7 access fuels the division. This can cause us to feel worried, tired and angry. These emotions can result in anxiety and depression."

According to McNeely, symptoms of anxiety such as lack of sleep, irritability, fatigue, poor focus and constant worry can affect relationships both at work and home. McNeely answered some questions to help everyone survive this election season and beyond.

Q: In general, how can you have a healthy debate?

A: “Remember that a debate is not an opportunity for you to impose your beliefs on another person. In other words, remember it isn’t all about you. A debate is an opportunity for you to express your views to someone else while providing them with a safe, nonjudgmental environment to do the same. Make sure to listen closely and be prepared to agree to disagree.”

Q: Can social media or the news make stress worse?

A: “Absolutely! Social media is accessible 24/7 and it only takes a minute to see something related to the election. TV is also flooded with political ads. The problem is that we don’t always have the most accurate representation of things through social media or the news. People can be very unkind at times, especially on social media. This fuels divisiveness and conflict at a time when we need unity.”

Q: How can you get away from it all to de-stress?

A: “Physical activity helps relieve stress and anxiety; a good way to get away is to turn off electronics and go outside. We have a wonderful state park system in Florida and most communities have free local parks. Going for a walk can help, even if it’s just around the block in your neighborhood."

Q: What are some tips to relieve stress?

A: “I like to think of stress relief and wellness as being comprised of five components, all of which are very much interconnected:

1. Exercise: Get your body moving. There are exercises for every activity level, including those with physical limitations.
2. Mindfulness: This refers to the art of quieting your inner thoughts and being in the moment. There are many books and apps that teach simple mindfulness techniques.
3. Sleep: Proper rest helps our bodies restore and regenerate so we have the resilience to withstand stress. In my professional opinion, I believe turning off electronics several hours before bedtime will greatly improve the quality of sleep.
4. Social connectedness: Plan outings with friends and family and have a "no phone zone." Calling someone on the phone instead of texting, or writing a letter or card, can also provide a level of connection. Video apps like Zoom and FaceTime allow you to stay in contact with family and friends, wherever they are.
5. Nutrition: Proper nutrition gives us the fuel we need to withstand stress. Most people know what comprises a healthy diet, but the challenge is identifying roadblocks that prevent them from sticking with it.

Although any number of these techniques will provide some stress relief, there's power in numbers. I challenge you to incorporate all five into your daily routine for 30 days. You might be amazed at the difference!”