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By: Sarah Jenkins
Does anyone else feel like this election is taking over their life? Anxiety levels are skyrocketing, I’m waking up in the middle of the night with a racing heart, snapping at loved ones, and my blood pressure spikes every time I hear the news. I’ve been indulging in baking cookies that I tell myself are for my kids, but let’s be honest—they’re mostly for me. In the past month, my trips to the liquor store have increased dramatically, and the owners look utterly exhausted (but somehow amused).
As I write this, I’m stress-eating the Halloween candy my children collected while obsessively refreshing FiveThirtyEight. Trump isn’t making America great again; he’s turning us all into stressed-out, snack-happy individuals.
I can only imagine that future historians will coin a term for our collective anxiety once this election is behind us. They might even need to add a new category to the DSM for the heightened stress this election has inflicted on many of us—especially those of us prone to anxiety (raises hand). Just picture it: emerging from a vast pit of despair filled with fear, misinformation, and divisive rhetoric.
The most challenging aspect of this whole ordeal for me has been the pervasive sadness. Watching good, decent people, including friends and family, blindly follow a chaotic leader truly frightens me for our future. I can’t wait for this to be over.
Here are some ways I’ve struggled to cope:
- I read yet another ridiculous statement Trump made at a rally, and I find myself chewing my nails.
- I hide friends on social media because I can’t handle the torrent of misinformation they share; then I question whether having beer for lunch is a smart decision.
- A podcast mentions that a third of Americans think Obama is a Muslim. Really?! I start mapping out a route to Canada.
- I check the FiveThirtyEight polls for the umpteenth time that day. I grab a donut. Or maybe the entire box. Who’s counting?
- I see friends dressing up as Hillary in prison garb for Halloween. I worry about their lives, their children’s futures, and how we’re even living in the same reality.
- Watching videos of Trump rallies fills me with dread; I fear what might happen if he loses. I start practicing deep breathing techniques.
- Reading the news reveals that some people doubt fact-checkers, whose job is purely to verify facts. I slam down the paper and bake pumpkin bread, then devour it all before anyone else gets home.
- I watch comedy shows where even the comedians are struggling with the absurdity of this election. I end up yelling at my kids to clean their rooms or do anything to stay out of my way.
- The comment sections of political posts are a battleground, and I want to urge everyone to step away and rethink their words before typing. So, I pour myself a glass of wine because the comments drive me to drink.
- My 5-year-old asks if the “bad man” is gone yet. Even she notices the tension. I think about signing her up for karate to ensure she can defend herself from anyone like him.
- The thought that he might not concede if he loses sends a shiver down my spine, and I’m thankful I don’t live next to any of his supporters.
Clearly, I’m not handling this well—and I know I’m not alone.
For the upcoming week, let’s all give each other a bit of grace and space to be irritable and overwhelmed until this thing wraps up. Then, we can return to normal life—maybe even discuss the holidays without losing our minds.
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Summary
The election cycle is causing significant stress and anxiety, impacting mental health and relationships. The author reflects on personal struggles, from stress-eating to feeling overwhelmed by misinformation and political tensions. A plea for understanding and patience among friends and family is made, with recommendations for additional resources on home insemination.