Anxious About the Upcoming Presidential Election? A UAB Psychologist on How to Stay Grounded

By Anna Jones | UAB News As election season ramps up, Megan Hays, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, says it is common to feel overwhelmed by the constant influx of political news, debates and campaign rhetoric. Research shows that politics can negatively impact one’s physical and mental health and can lead to stress, anxiety and unhappiness. According to the 2024 American Psychiatric Association’s annual mental health poll, 73 percent of respondents are especially anxious about the upcoming presidential election. Hays says, by adopting strategic wellness practices this election season, one can maintain their balance and focus amid the political storm. She has five evidence-based strategies people can use to help stay grounded this election season. Acknowledge and accept emotions “During uncertain times like an election, feeling difficult emotions like anxiety, sadness or anger is normal,” said Hays, an associate professor in the UAB Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. “Start by labeling your emotions to normalize and accept them, rather than fighting them. As psychologist Carl Jung said, ‘What you resist, persists,’ and research indeed suggests that resisting negative feelings can intensify them. Instead of trying to get rid of anxiety or anger about...