Six self-care tips to keep your stress on Election Day

The election period is always a time of stress, especially for the most engaged voters. The anxiety that begins with the release of polls, reaches its peak on election day and, for some, is even more intense at the time of counting the votes.

For Wagner de Lara Machado, PhD in psychology and professor at PUC-RS (Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul), this feeling is directly related to the expectation regarding the result.

Such anxiety is further potentiated by social media. The psychologist states that “the digital experience makes polarization live more intensely. You have direct contact with the other side much more intensely due to proximity via digital media than at other times”.

For Maria da Glória Calado, psychologist and vice-president counselor of the CRP-SP (Regional Council of Psychology of São Paulo), the country’s situation and the social conditions of the population are determining factors in this year’s election.

She explains that “the political violence expressed by attacks on journalists, assassinations of individuals for reasons of party choice, the consequences of the pandemic on mental health and social conditions in Brazil are aggravating factors for electoral anxiety in 2022”.

Measures that are usually indicated for good mental health maintenance can help. Doing physical activities, exercising meditative practices, having an organized routine and eating well are part of the experts’ recommendations.

Here are some other practices pointed out by professionals that can also be adopted this Sunday (2) to help manage the stress and anguish that voting can cause.

LIMIT THE USE OF SOCIAL NETWORKS

On election day it is common for people to be affected by the so-called “Fomo” (from English “fear of missing out” or “fear of missing out”, in Portuguese), which indicates the fear that some people have that something important happen while they are not present or following along. This means that the individual is always online and receives a very large amount of information, which can be a source of stress.

The psychologists consulted recommend that social networks be used with caution so that routine activities, such as leisure, sleep and work are not neglected and the person can focus on the present.

In addition, polling day is also often conducive to the spread of fake news. Machado recommends that voters choose their most reliable sources of information and give them priority.

STAY NEAR RELIABLE PEOPLE

Having a support network nearby can also be beneficial.

According to Maria da Glória Calado, “when people are more isolated, they tend to be more nervous and anxious, so being in a group can help a person to calm down.”

Therefore, talking to friends and family is essential. For Machado, having someone to talk to, vent to and talk about possible afflictions can be a way of facing problems and, consequently, relieving anxiety.

PLAN YOUR DAY AND FOCUS ON SELF-CARE

Having a routine is always a good tool to control anxiety. Therefore, professionals consider it important to plan in advance the best time and route to go to vote and think about other activities that will be developed throughout the day.

Calado warns that this year many polling places have changed, so checking them out a few days before can help avoid stress on the day. She stresses that it is important to think ahead about who to vote for. “Leaving this decision too close to the day or the date of the election itself can trigger anxiety.”

If you vote in São Paulo, you can use the Electoral Match tool from Sheetwhich uses your answers to help you choose a candidate for federal deputy and senator.

Experts still recommend that self-care moments, such as sleeping, eating and bathing time, be prioritized.

ACCEPT THE UNCERTAINTIES

Participating in the electoral process is an important stage of democracy and, therefore, the consequences are faced in the community. According to Machado, it is important to accept that the individual alone is not in control of this process.

Calado is still alert to the moment of counting the votes. It is important for supporters of all candidates to know that “the counting goes through several moments, especially in the presidential election. So, do not consider that the photograph of the moment will necessarily be the result”.

She also suggests that, if the investigation is a source of anguish, not following this process at all times is a good option. Whether or not to watch the vote count does not change the results.

ESCAPE THE EXTREMES

On election day people may be more stressed and polarization more exacerbated. Calado recommends that, therefore, politically motivated provocations be ignored, especially the most disrespectful ones.

Machado indicates distancing from narratives that reinforce polarization. According to him, rarely does anyone identify 100% with one of the extremes of the political spectrum and, therefore, one should avoid the belief that anyone who thinks differently is an enemy.

For him, the conversation with those who are willing to openly dialogue should be encouraged, even after the elections.

“When people are able to talk openly about political issues, they notice that they often have much more points of agreement than disagreements.”

IF YOU NEED IT, GET HELP

Although anxiety is normal as the lawsuit approaches, Calado warns that not being able to sleep or eat and having physical symptoms, such as shortness of breath, can be a warning sign that should not be ignored. In such cases, the individual should seek specialized professional help.

• Look for the UBS (Basic Health Unit) or the Caps (Psychosocial Care Center) closest to your home

• In case of an emergency, contact Samu (Mobile Emergency Service) by calling 192

• Talk to a volunteer from the CVV (Centro de Valorização da Vida) by calling 188 (free call from any landline or cell phone nationwide) or visit www.cvv.org.br

• The Mental Health Map tracks different types of care: mapaaudemental.com.br