Last updated on October 9, 2024
This blog was written Kaitlin Hill, MS, LPC-S, NCC, associate dean of Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS).
It’s the most wonderful time of the year (every four years) … presidential election season. For many, the constant coverage and commentary around election cycles cause a sense of unease, anxiety, anticipation, nervousness, dread — you name it. While many may share a general sense of apprehension or anticipation given the widely unknown results of an upcoming election cycle — many others will also experience another phenomenon — communication breakdowns with others. Loss of friendships or connections. Argumentation. Does this ring a bell? Do we see this example in front of us on social media or news outlets?
These types of discussions and communication (or lack thereof) can affect our personal relationships, our work environments and connections to peers and classmates, among others. And let’s be clear — good communication is positive, even when we disagree! Poor communication, however, increases stress, anxiety, disconnection and apprehension. Anxiety and distress, too, can have very real and immediate impacts on our physical selves — we become more vulnerable to colds, flu and other illnesses, have a higher likelihood of developing chronic illnesses, and our sleeping and eating habits may be affected.
Did you know that the American Psychiatric Association1 assessed that almost 75% of adults feel anxiety about the upcoming election? They also assessed anxiety around topics that fill conversations around election season — almost 80% of adults feel anxiety about the economy, and almost 70% feel anxiety about gun violence. While an election cycle is certainly a great platform to exercise our civic duty through voting and encouraging others to do so as well, it’s also a great time to model positive communication techniques that are grounded in respect and well-being. So what does this look like?
Practice active listening: In respectful communication, both sides of the discussion know the other is listening actively and accurately. Using phrases like “I understand” or “I hear you,” or nonverbals like nodding your head lets the other person know you’re listening intently and showing attentive respect, rather than hearing to speak or counter. You should expect the same in return!
Granting the benefit of the doubt: We never know someone’s lived experiences, background, or level of information that informs their opinions, choices or actions. Allowing space for someone to have a different opinion than yours allows for a reasonable benefit of the doubt.
Identify what you can and can’t control: What you can control is your vote and the act of voting, or through other positive civil or community action! What you may not be able to control is the outcome of a national election, or even something as near to you as changing someone’s mind. Identifying what you can and cannot control, and finding empowerment through what you can control is important.
Embrace discomfort: Differing opinions may inherently be uncomfortable. Some discomfort or awkwardness is okay — we can lean into that and learn to become better communicators through it or even understand each other a bit better! However, it’s important not to equate discomfort with disrespect. Good communication is never disrespectful, cruel or hateful.
Set boundaries for yourself and others: Set boundaries for the amount, types and source of media you consume to protect your mental well-being. When communicating with others, set limits to how much you want to be in the thick of political discussions. Want to enjoy a nice family or friends outing without discussing politics? Say so and kindly ask for that ahead of time, noting you really want to enjoy the time together connecting in other ways! Have you established through experience that you may be unable to connect (even if disagreeing!) with someone about politics? These may not be safe conversations to venture into with them.
Utilize a curious, open mindset: We’re going to encounter many who don’t think and choose as we do — that’s the nature of life. A curious, open mindset may ask “what will I learn about this person, their opinion, new information …” rather than dismissing the person or conversation from the front end. In spaces where the rights or livelihood of others (or ourselves!) are vulnerable because of politics or policy, this can be understandably difficult. Assess your headspace, too. If you find it difficult to impossible to feel a sense of grounded neutrality discussing politics or issues with another person, it may not be the person, place or time to have those discussions.
Practice self-care: Find time for disconnection and care for you. Moving your body, nourishing yourself well, hydrating, sleeping well, pursuing activities that fill your metaphorical cup — these are important all the time, but especially important during high stress seasons. Feeling balanced and cared-for can also help address our sense of high reactivity or irritability, as well.
Find common ground: Through discussion, we often find that there are far more things that we realize we share between us. Political rhetoric tends to operate via “othering” — creating wide divides between a partisan system, voters, economic or social beliefs, etc.
Set limits and empower yourself to end discussions: If we find we’re in a discussion or engaged with a person who cannot be respectful in discussion — or we’re having our own difficulty remaining grounded ourselves — know it is okay to end a discussion. A powerful statement grounded in respect and boundaries may be, “you know, it sounds like we’re not going to be able to respectfully connect in this discussion, so I’m going to step away from our conversation.”
Separate person from opinions: This can be difficult with friends, family, people we’ve known for a long time, people we’ve looked up to, etc. This can be especially difficult when examining opinions of others related to hot topic voter issues — women’s health, social programs funding, immigration, gun safety, the economy, student loans … Where we can, it’s important to try to remember that an opinion is an opinion and may not be representative of the person as a whole.
Seek support: If you find that the stress of the election cycle, ability to connect and discuss with others, or repercussions such as struggling relationships or physical health and wellness due to political disagreements are getting in the way of your enjoyment of day-to-day life — reach out for help! As the APA shows, the majority of U.S. adults experience some level of anxiety related to this election cycle, so you are not alone. Take care of you, and seek assistance through a trained mental health professional:
- Dallas College students ages 18 and up who are attending the current semester can reach out to Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at Counseling@DallasCollege.edu to set an appointment.
- Benefits-eligible faculty and staff can utilize our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Alliance Work Partners for counseling resources.
- American Psychiatric Association. “American Adults Express Increasing Anxiousness in Annual Poll; Stress and Sleep are Key Factors Impacting Mental Health,” May 2024.