So, why do these forms of anxiety seem to be more common in recent elections? There are a few key factors:
Increased Political Polarization
The political divide in the U.S. has been growing steadily, with elections often feeling like battles between two increasingly opposed sides. With more people feeling that the stakes are higher than ever, the emotional investment in the outcome is more intense, contributing to greater anxiety and fear.
(24/7) News Cycles and Social Media
The constant flow of information through news outlets, social media, and political commentary channels means that people are bombarded with opinions, predictions, and conflicts related to the election. This overexposure can magnify feelings of anxiety, as people find it difficult to step away from the discussion, especially when they feel a deep personal investment in the results.
Global Events
Elections don’t happen in a vacuum. The 2020 election, for example, took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, and fears about health, the economy, and societal stability only made things more complicated. Similarly, the 2016 election was marked by significant geopolitical concerns, including global economic uncertainties and immigration issues. The combination of a volatile world and political uncertainty can drive anxiety to new heights.
Coping with Pre-Election and Post-Election Anxiety
While election-related anxiety is a natural response to uncertain times, there are ways to cope with these emotions, whether you’re struggling before or after the election.
Limit News and Social Media Exposure
Constantly checking for updates or reading political commentary can exacerbate anxiety. Set boundaries for how often you check the news scroll through social media, and take breaks when needed.
Focus on What You Can Control
While the outcome of an election may be beyond your control, your response to it isn’t. Focus on activities that bring you a sense of calm and purpose, whether that’s spending time with loved ones, engaging in a hobby, or participating in a cause you care about.
Reach Out for Support
Talking about your concerns with a friend, family member, or therapist can help. If your anxiety is becoming overwhelming, professional support may be necessary to help you navigate your emotions. Therapy, meditation, and relaxation techniques can be highly effective in reducing election-related anxiety.
Exercise and Stay Active
Physical activity is known to reduce anxiety and boost mood. Even short bursts of exercise can help release tension, clear your mind, and offer a reprieve from stress.
Get Involved in Civic Engagement
Sometimes, action is the best antidote to anxiety. Volunteering for causes you believe in, getting involved in community discussions, or even running for local office can give you a sense of control and agency, even when the broader political landscape feels overwhelming.
How Hypnosis Can Help with Pre-Election and Post-Election Anxiety
Hypnosis is an often-overlooked yet powerful tool in managing anxiety, and it can be particularly helpful when dealing with the stress and emotional turmoil associated with elections. Whether you’re experiencing anxiety before or after an election, hypnotherapy offers a gentle and effective way to regain control of your emotional and mental state.
Re-framing Anxiety
One of the main benefits of hypnosis is its ability to help individuals reframe their thoughts. Through guided sessions, a skilled hypnotist can help you shift your perspective on the election, moving away from catastrophic thinking and focusing on more balanced, positive thoughts. This is especially effective in pre-election anxiety, where the fear of the unknown can be overwhelming. By guiding your subconscious to focus on what you can control and letting go of the uncertainty, hypnosis can reduce the intensity of your fears.
Relaxation and Stress Reduction
Hypnosis induces a deeply relaxed state, allowing you to physically and mentally let go of tension. When stress is rooted in anxiety about the election or its aftermath, hypnosis can be a way to release those pent-up emotions. The mind’s ability to fully relax through hypnotherapy can not only alleviate immediate stress but also train you to manage anxiety better in the long term.
Addressing Post-Election Emotional Responses
After an election, some may feel depression or anxiety due to the results. Hypnotherapy can help individuals process these emotions more effectively by addressing them at a deeper subconscious level. It allows the mind to bypass its usual defense mechanisms, helping people work through their fears and disappointments more quickly. Techniques like regression therapy or future pacing can help people envision a positive future, regardless of the political outcome, and find a path forward.
Improving Focus and Reducing Distraction
Political events can overwhelm your attention, pulling focus away from important areas of life such as work, family, and self-care. Hypnosis can help refocus the mind on what truly matters, reducing the distractions caused by obsessive election-related thoughts. By calming the mind, hypnosis enables people to reclaim their mental clarity and be more present in their daily lives.
Building Emotional Resilience
Hypnosis can strengthen your emotional resilience, making it easier to deal with future stressors, including future elections. By regularly engaging in hypnotherapy sessions, people can create lasting mental changes that improve their ability to handle the ups and downs of life without being thrown off balance. This makes hypnosis a preventive tool as well as a solution for immediate anxiety and fear.
Election-related anxiety—both pre-election and post-election—has become a real concern for many Americans in recent years. Hypnosis offers an effective way to manage these emotions, helping individuals re-frame their fears, relax, and build resilience.
