Election stress

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Lately I have been having some strange symptoms. Sickness and knots to my stomach, and my husband is smoking again because he is also stressed out from what has been going on. I have an online friend who also has been stressing out.

Anyone else been stressed out because of what has been going on and because of the upcoming election? I literally feel like throwing up.


And I still think it will get worse out there. My husband is already worried they will come to our neighborhood and attack us so he is back posting on twitter posting anti Trump stuff. Even my son has been stressed. We once drove by a vacant building that had been vandalized and my son thought protesters did it and got worried they will come to our house.

Last edited by Feyokien on 12 Sep 2020, 1:46 pm, edited 2 times in total.: OP requested title change

I would put this into historical perspective. There have been far worse times in US and world history. Yes, it is not great (there are real problems), but neither is this exceptional.

Also, stop watching the daily news. I don't mean it is fake news or things like that, but the news distorts our view of current events by emphasizing the exceptional events. If you want news, then find a place that give straightforward reporting and weather. As far as the protest, most are peaceful: Report states 93% of protesters are peaceful.

And refocus on things that bring you some happiness. Gardening or ping pong. The less you engage with the noise, the less it will affect you. Your son will also relax if you can do the same. You are probably fueling his anxiety.

You're not alone, I've been very stressed about all this too.

I’m stressed about this as well.

This!! !!

For the most part, most people do not have much to worry about. I also agree to stop watching and reading the news. The news has one objective - views. They absolutely do distort information and over emphasize certain parts while under emphasizing other parts.

Protesters are not going to come to your house and physically assault you. They are not going to burn down your home. Yes, I am stressed about the upcoming election - but whatever happens will happen. If I go into November already on a stress/anxiety level 100 then anything that does happen will pretty much incapacitate me. However, if I work to maintain a healthy mental state and then something bad happens in November - I am much better prepared to handle it.

The best thing to do is to keep living your normal everyday lives - for all of us. And to keep setting goals and working towards accomplishing them. If you are striving for productive measures then you will naturally focus less on anxiety ridden issues.

@League_Girl: I was really stressed for a while, until I cut down on my news intake and re-focused on my hobbies (amateur radio, astronomy, baking, cooking, et cetera) -- anything to keep busy and take my mind off what is happening "out there".

I’ve noticed that everyone is feeling stressed out, even people who usually are laid back. I think it is more than the election. It is also the pandemic.

I agree with the recommendation to stop listening to the news and focus on the daily activities of your own life. Not easy when one feels an existential threat from the White House on down. I get it and am with you 100%.

@teach. Many of us feel the violence and hatred flames are fanned by our current president. So it is part and parcel.

*sigh* I really don't know where to put this then because I sure don't want to be told it's all the commies fault or the left wing, etc and that Trump is gonna win again and hear any criticism or even have politics.

I think your topic is just fine in the Haven. I hear you expressing your feelings of fear about current events. I think many feel the same way. Getting support during a rocky time is what the Haven is about.

This is a legit Haven topic. A Mod just stated this. And I believe it.

Yes, this is fine here. As with religion-based topics, responders should try to avoid trying to change the OP’s political views. There may be occasions when a gentle reality check might be appropriate (I am not saying either way if this is one of them) but this should be done tactfully - “it may be reassuring to know that the chances of you being killed by a mob are very low”, or similar, rather than starting an argument.

on top of everything else, this has in general been an annus horribilis which aggravated the stress brought on by the original stressor-in-chief.

It really has been a difficult year. I think news fasts are a great idea LG, listen to music that really relaxes you, increase all the things that emphasize your feeling of well being. Sorry if I upset you. You will all get through this and I hope that things settle down positively for everyone.

I am going through the same thing in my country, terrible, violent demonstrations, and I am so distressed that people are showing so much intolerance towards each other. I wish I could take a magic wand and swoosh! everyone will get along with each other.
I watch the news headlines to see if there is a war or not and thats all I want to know.
Can you make a list of soothing things and enjoy doing them LG? I think the news media enjoy destroying our equilibrium and creating terror and chaos . I don't allow them to dictate how I feel. I am a little edgy it's true. Sorry.

i just concentrate on my own affairs and listen to lots of music and tune out the magas as best i can.