HAMPTON, Va. — Election day is just a few days away, and for some voters, it is causing some stress.
“[I’m] very nervous about the results, but I have faith in whatever is going to happen. It’s going to work out fine for everyone,” said Hampton University sophomore Sasha Gilespie.
“I have no anxiety. I already know I’m just going to cast my vote,” said Norfolk resident Roderick Williams.
While some are not as concerned about the election, for others, uncertainty about the outcome stresses them out.
“Just from the things I’ve seen, it doesn’t look like it’s going the way I wanted to go, but whatever happens, happens,” said Norfolk resident Hailey Walker.
Hampton University’s Associate Professor and Department Chair of Psychology, Dr. O'Shan Gadsden, said people feel uneasy this political season for many reasons.
“The issues of the day are just so predominant that people feel like this is either life or death,” said Gadsden.
According to the American Psychological Association, political concerns top the list of stressors for Americans. So, during this time, mental health experts suggest prioritizing self-care, finding support groups and watching your media intake.
“So I think it’s really important at this stage to be really intentional about why I’m watching this. What’s the purpose? What am I consuming? How much am I consuming, and really, making sure that if one finds themselves being triggered or escalated emotionally that they use their judgment and they resist taking that in,” said Gadsden.
One Hampton University student said she plans to rest that day, regardless of the election outcome.
“To be really honest, I’ll probably just eat a good meal and take a nap,” said Hampton University student Hailey Conwell.
Hampton University offers The She Care Wellness Pod, a student mental health resource.
Meanwhile, Gadsden said if the elections are taking a toll on your mental health, he suggests taking advantage of mental health resources at your workplace, joining spiritual groups, and going to counseling. College students should join student groups and take advantage of counseling resources on campus.
If you are dealing with stress related to the election, you can contact the crisis text hotline. A resource dedicated to assisting people through this season.