MILWAUKEE — Some people are feeling a lot of emotions heading into Election Day. For many, there’s been a broad feeling of anxiety and uncertainty during these last few days. It’s been a very competitive election cycle, especially in swing state Wisconsin.
Leah Whatley, a day care worker from Milwaukee, said she still hasn’t decided who she’s voting for, and it’s stressing her out.
“I have anxiety of who is going to be in office, and just making that final vote, just choosing that person,” she said. “And then me just being in the middle is my anxiety, because I feel like I should know.”
Whatley said she has stopped watching television because the constant negative political advertisements only add to her anxiety.
“My family tells me I should know, so I’m just being pulled so many different ways, that it’s tough,” she said.
Shilagh Mirgain, a UW Health psychologist, said she is urging people to agree to disagree and set boundaries over differences of opinion.
“I think that if you want to share, and somebody is criticizing you or shaming you, I think you can say, ‘It’s okay to disagree,’” said Mirgain.
Mirgain also emphasized the need to foster joy and positivity by doing things such as partaking in a hobby or seeing friends.
Mirgain offered these tips:
- Make a plan for election night
- Make sure you’re taking breaks from election coverage
- Stop “doom scrolling” on social media, exercise
- Prioritize sleep
- Engage in mindfulness and breathing techniques
- Don’t isolate yourself
Mirgain also said this is so important since stress can impact both your physical and emotional health.
Whatley said she is taking that advice to heart.
“I have friends who are on the Trump side. I have family who is on Kamala’s side,” she said. “I just feel like whoever is going to make the things happen that are important for you and your family, that’s who you should vote for.”