Photo by José de Azpiazu on Unsplash
This may be one of the most intense presidential elections of our lifetimes (hopefully). So much is on the line, such as COVID-19, reproductive rights, LGBTQ rights, and the rights of POC. As a result, U.S. citizens have good reason to be on edge. Unfortunately, some people release their anxieties through violence and destruction, causing major worries across the entire country. Cities like New York City and Boston have boarded up their windows in preparation for riots that may start as the results of the election start pouring in.
If you live in one of the major U.S. cities, there are ways to reduce your anxiety levels and keep yourself calm and safe as election results start coming.
Going to Protests
Being a part of a peaceful protest typically doesn’t cause too many issues. However, if you decide to march down the streets with your sign, make sure you are not alone. Bring a couple of friends and know how you’ll leave if the situation becomes violent. If you start to see protesters break objects on someone’s property, leave. We don’t know how the police will be reacting to violent protestors this week, and you don’t want to be there to see how they’ll handle the situation.
Campaign Signs
As polls come to a close on Election Day, it’d be a good idea to remove any political signs from your front yard. People have been stealing, ripping, and burning political signs all across the country. If someone is mad enough about the election results, they may cause injury to your home as well if they see an opposing political sign. Hopefully, it won’t come to that, but this is an extra safety precaution that may help you sleep at night.
Stay Calm
If you’re experiencing immense anxiety this week, you are not alone. Millions across the United States, and even the whole world, are anticipating what will happen as election results come in. When looking at election news, try to stay away from articles that touch on violence and appear to be some sort of propaganda. Stay informed, but do not read anything that may cause a panic attack if you are prone to them. If you do feel as if you are about to have a panic attack, or are experiencing one, below are some of the things that you can do:
- Recognize that you’re having a panic attack.
- Find a focus object.
- Use a deep breathing technique.
- Keep lavender on hand.
- Use muscle relaxation techniques.
Whatever Happens—Stick Together
In the past four years, many United States citizens have said that they have never seen the country so divided. We must not allow this election to further divide us. If we do, then we’ll never be able to unite and solve the issues that everyday Americans are facing. With more conflict comes more distraction from what we all should be working towards. Healthcare, education, the immense wage gap: these topics, and many more, are too important to be forgotten as a result of anger. Keeping calm and safe as election results come in can help us stick together.
