Member-only story
To De-Stress Before the Election, Try the “Titration” Method
How to open and close the tap on difficult emotions
“Tick… tick… tick…” That’s the sound of the timer on the bomb forecast to detonate on November 3, 2020. Its rhythm is in step with society’s heartbeat (and fluctuating nervous system), a nagging reminder of this election’s high stakes. From right to left, few are immune — and many are anxious.
A new survey by the American Psychological Association (APA) found that more than two-thirds (68%) of American adults say that the 2020 U.S. presidential election is a significant source of stress in their life. This is a substantive increase from 2016, when 52% said the same. This increase exists across political affiliations: 76% of Democrats, 67% of Republicans, and 64% of independents report election stress.
The uptick is understandable, given that this election coincides with a number of crises: the coronavirus pandemic, a struggling economy, political intransigence, racial unrest and protests alongside violence and looting, and unprecedented natural disasters and climate concerns.
An added stress is the fact that the two candidates have diametrically opposing views on and strategies for addressing these (and other) social ills. We’re seeing fierce alliances form with one candidate or…
