FARGO — Many are feeling the effects of the months-long election cycle. Mental health experts say election-related stress is at an all-time high. A survey from the American Psychological Association found that 77% of adults reported the "future of the nation is a significant source of stress in their lives.
" Local mental health experts agree. They say the amount of political rhetoric online, on TV, or in-person is mentally draining. That stress leads to issues like depression, anxiety and loss of appetite.
They recommend setting firm boundaries around political discourse, and checking in with yourself frequently, not only on Election Day, but in the months that follow. "Everybody's been having exposure to political agendas for quite some time, and so it's really prolonged the stress and anxiety and the what-ifs about the future of our country," said Kayla Savageau, an integrated health therapist with Sanford Health. "Those what-ifs can really get away from us and take us down a really dark path, and so finding a way to counter that all-or-nothing and black-and-white thinking, and kind of create more cognitive flexibility and balance is really beneficial in managing that," Savageau said.
Other helpful tips include talking to a therapist, spending time in nature or getting a good night's sleep..