LEXINGTON, Ky. — On Tuesday, Americans will have their eyes on Decision 2024, hoping to see their candidate win. It’s a close race between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, with both sides optimistic about their campaigns.
In a time of political tensions, both parties are passionate about their candidate winning presidency on Election Day. But mental health professionals say to not let the uncertainty of who wins affect your mental health and the biggest thing is respect, regardless of who wins.
Months of campaigning by former President Trump and Vice President Harris culminates Tuesday at the ballot box as Americans cast their vote for the nation’s next president.
“Uncertainty is a huge trigger for anxiety and because the polling is so close and because the climate is so divisive it feels really high-stakes and we have no idea what’s going to happen,” said Shannon Sauer-Zavala, a licensed psychologist and professor of psychology at the University of Kentucky.
A recent study from the American Psychiatric Association shows 73% of adults report feeling anxious about the 2024 presidential election. Sauer-Zavala said she urges to people to live in the present and not think about the ‘what-ifs.’
“Whether or not we stay up late and see the outcome of a particular state, that’s not going to change the outcome. So, engaging in our regular self-care; cooking dinner, going for a walk, going to bed at a reasonable time. Those are things that are going to fuel us,” Sauer-Zavala said.
Kelly Gillooly, director of behavioral health at UofL Health, says in an ever-increasing world of social media, it's hard to escape the political hysteria.
“If you feel like that you’re spending too much time on social media and news channels, then we just recommend you disengage,” Gillooly said.
She recommends doing something that brings comfort.
“You have to find a place that brings you peace and joy temporarily,” Gillooly said.
If your preferred candidate wins, it’s ok to be happy, but they say to do so respectfully as many, including your loved ones, could be on the losing side.
“Those are relationships you want to maintain into the future and so it might feel really good in the moment to lean into your joy over your side’s victory but that may have lasting effects on relationships that are important to you in the long run,” Zavala said.
They say it’s also ok to feel some disappointment or anxiety a few days after a winner is declared but encourage seeking mental health help if symptoms persist for weeks.