how to deal with mental health on election day when everything feels uncertain

hey there. if you’re feeling the weight of election day, you’re not alone. today stirs up emotions, and it’s easy to feel powerless, anxious, or overwhelmed. maybe you’re holding onto hope, or maybe you’re struggling to find any at all. either way, there are ways to cope, ways to make it through this day without letting the stress take over.

here are a few ways to stay grounded and protect your mental health today

start with small moments of calm

don’t feel guilty if you’re stressed today; it’s normal. but even in the midst of it, take a few small moments for yourself. you don’t need a whole hour or an elaborate plan—just small pockets of calm throughout your day. find one peaceful minute to breathe, a few seconds to stretch, or five minutes to step outside and let the fresh air settle your mind.

these tiny pauses are like resetting your system, reminding yourself that there’s still peace within reach, even on days like today. sometimes, a small breath is all you need to keep moving forward.

limit your exposure to election news

it’s tempting to stay glued to every update, refreshing news feeds or scrolling through reactions. but constant updates often bring constant stress. if you’re feeling anxious, consider setting boundaries with the news. try checking in at set intervals or limit yourself to a few specific times during the day.

when you’re not checking the news, focus on things you can control. remember, the outcome won’t change with more scrolling, but your stress levels will. choose to protect your mental health by stepping back when needed.

connect with people who understand

no one should face big emotions alone. reach out to people who get what you’re feeling. maybe it’s a friend, a family member, or even an online community. just hearing someone say, “i feel that too” can lift a huge weight. it reminds you that you’re not alone in this and that there are others who are processing these same emotions.

you don’t have to be “strong” all by yourself. sometimes, the best thing you can do is share the burden.

focus on what grounds you

find something in your day that feels steady and real—something that brings you comfort. maybe it’s a warm drink, your pet’s company, a favorite song, or a walk around the block. these grounding rituals don’t solve the big picture, but they keep you rooted in the here and now. they’re little reminders of normalcy and comfort when everything else feels uncertain.

the more you connect with what feels steady, the more resilient you become in the face of stress.

write down what you’re feeling

sometimes, it helps to take all those swirling thoughts and emotions and put them on paper. write them down without judgment, without worrying about grammar or structure—just let them flow. writing can help you untangle what’s in your mind, making your emotions feel a little more manageable.

if it’s hard to start, try asking yourself: “what am i really feeling right now?” or “what am i most afraid of today?” even if the words are messy or unclear, just getting them out can be a relief.

practice radical self-compassion

days like this can stir up self-criticism. maybe you feel like you’re not handling things well enough, or you’re “overreacting.” but remember, your feelings are valid. give yourself permission to feel whatever you’re feeling without judgment. self-compassion means treating yourself with the same kindness you’d show a friend.

allow yourself the grace to feel without needing to “fix” everything. sometimes, just giving yourself that permission can make all the difference.

Crisis Support for Tough Moments

If your anxiety or stress feels overwhelming, please know there are people ready to help. Here are some resources you can reach out to for immediate support:

🆘 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (USA)

Call: 988
Available 24/7 for anyone struggling with thoughts of hopelessness or in need of immediate emotional support

💭 Crisis Text Line

Text "HELLO" to: 741741
Connect with a trained counselor who will guide you through grounding exercises and listen without judgment

🏥 SAMHSA Helpline (USA)

Call: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
Free, confidential support with mental health or substance issues
Connects you to local resources

🎖️ Veterans Crisis Line

Call: 988, then press 1
Dedicated support for veterans from professionals who understand their unique experiences

a place to turn to when you need support

if you’re looking for a tool that gives you a safe space to explore your thoughts and feelings on days like these, vent might be worth trying. it’s like having a friend on call who listens without judgment and gently helps you sort through what you’re feeling. sometimes, just having someone (or something) to talk to can lighten the load.

vent turns everyday thoughts and emotions into insights, helping you see patterns and understand what’s driving your anxiety. it’s not just for crisis moments; it’s for anyone who needs a safe, supportive place to talk and make sense of life’s ups and downs.

you’ll get through this day

election day can bring up heavy emotions, but remember, you’re not alone in this. reach out when you need to, take breaks when you can, and be kind to yourself. no matter the outcome, you have the power to care for your own mental health, one step at a time.

and if it ever feels like too much, know there’s help available, whenever you’re ready to reach for it.