by Jenna Nicodemus
If you are feeling overwhelmed by the election, you are not alone. While the past three elections have all been characterized by great swaths of emotion, this election in particular has, without a doubt, been uniquely tumultuous. Here are some tips, tricks, advice and resources for those struggling with strong feelings during this time.
1. Don’t doom-scroll
Clinical research indicates that doom-scrolling is detrimental for your mental health, leading to increased anxiety, stress, depression, and psychological distress. While it is true that social media makes us feel more interconnected, being in a constant echo-chamber of misery for extended periods of time is not productive for anybody, no matter how much it makes you feel more informed.
If you need to, set a time limit on certain apps with your phone settings. It’s good to be involved and know what your community is feeling and talking about, but be mindful to take breaks and spend time away from these spaces when they are making you feel negative as well.
2. Spend some time outside
Going off of the previous point, being outside is a great way to spend time away from the doom and gloom of social media and news outlets. Instead of constantly being under the barrage of bad news and doomerism, put the phone away and collect yourself and your thoughts outside.
Research suggests that going out for a walk is a great, simple way to immediately increase your mood. Simply sitting out in nature without technology is a fantastic way to mentally calm yourself and meditate on things.
3. Be with other people
We are entering a time where now, more than ever, community – and empathy for our fellow human – is incredibly significant. It is important that, in these difficult times, we are with other people and not isolating ourselves and our struggles from others. Take some time, if you are able, to be around others this week, whether it’s at a meal, an event, or simply studying.
Remember to be kind not only to others but to yourself as well.
4. Take care of yourself
If nothing else, make sure to practice self-care. Drink plenty of water, stay clean and well-fed, and don’t over- or under- sleep. Take things day by day, and try not fall behind your schedule of appointments and assignments. Caring for your everyday needs can only help you feel better, never worse.
5. Take advantage of resources
Please seek help if you are feeling especially distressed during this time. There are a variety of resources both on and off campus that are designed to help people in crises, with confidentiality services if applicable.
Centre College Counseling – Schedule a same-day appointment by visiting https://centre-counseling.titaniumhwc.com/, or email counseling@centre.edu. Visit their Centrenet page for more information.
Centre College Counseling Crisis Line – 859-319-1546 (after hours and weekend).
Parsons Center for Student Health and Counseling – 859-238-5530 (during the day on week day emergencies, 8am – 4pm). Please state it is an emergency when speaking to the secretary.
National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) – The NAMI has a helpline available Monday through Friday, 10am – 10am EST, which you can call at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), text “HelpLine” at 62640, or email at helpline@nami.org.
The Trevor Project – For LGBTQIA+ individuals looking for confidential support, call 1-866-488-7386, text START to 678-678, or visit www.thetrevorproject.org for gender-affirming and queer-friendly support.
Substance Abuse Support – Visit www.aa.org (Alcoholics Anonymous) or www.na.org (Narcotics Anonymous) for resources such as virtual meetings.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Dial or text 988, or visit www.988lifeline.org to chat with someone online.
Be mindful that everyone processes their emotions differently, and may have differing sensitivities to the tensions of this time. It is important that we, as a community, remain open and considerate for other people as well as ourselves as we navigate the coming weeks. Be there for one another.