LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — We're now just a few days away from Election Day and with that comes stress as you worry about what or who you will vote for— and what the uncertain future could look like.
In fact, a recent survey published by the American Psychological Association found that the majority of Americans are stressed out by the election.
There's no doubt that a lot is on the line. However, there are ways to cope with stress.
"I would say that everybody has at least one thing that they're concerned about in this election," said Kerri Michael, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Riverstone Wellness Center.
She explained how it is normal to be stressed during times like these, but it's important to not let those concerns get the best of you.
"I do try and press upon my clients that making efforts to reduce your anxiety in no way means that you're disengaging, or you don't care. It's not it's just not useful to maintain this unhelpful level of stress," Michael described.
During this election cycle, Michael said she's seen some of her clients feeling overwhelmed.
However, they aren't the only ones. The survey done by the American Psychological Association showed that thousands of people have been feeling stressed about it.
According to the survey, 77% of people said the future of our nation is a significant source of stress. The economy was the second most common with 73% and the presidential election followed closely at 69%.
"When it comes to anxiety, it's helpful to think about the things that you can control," she added.
That includes things like going to vote if you haven't already or volunteering your time to help a candidate you support.
Beyond that, she said don't get caught up in what you can't control.
"Allow yourself to just be grounded. I'm here now. I'm safe now, and just be in the present. You know, election day is very close, but it's still in the future, and the future hasn't happened yet," she described.
If it gets to the point where your stress is triggered by all the phone notifications you get throughout the day and all the things you see on social media, Michael recommends limiting your scrolling time and even disconnecting for a little while and turning off the phone.
"Obsessing about it is not going to change the outcome," she said.
She encourages you to be empathetic to those who may have different opinions than you.
"Remember that everybody wants what's best for the country. It's just that we don't all agree on how to get there," she said.