Election Day is understandably a rather tense time for an individual as well as the nation as a whole, with the anxiety of wondering whether one’s favored candidate will win, along with the concern of whether the chosen candidate will live up to their promises and usher in a better Presidential term.

During this election season, however, it seems like most of us are feeling anxious about it, no doubt aided by 24/7 news coverage and the endless doomscrolling influence of social media. No matter who you support,

Something as simple as going to lunch together or calling a friend to catch up (though preferably not discussing politics) can redirect your attention. “Social connection is always a good antidote to anxiety,” says Dr. Markey. “We can’t think about these issues non-stop. It’s exhausting, and our minds need a break.”

Comedians joke about the upset politics cause during Thanksgiving dinner. Many people report feelings of anxiety after traumatic election cycles, particularly those whose civil rights, health or safety seems threatened by the winner,

If you’re experiencing complex emotions after Election Day, you’re not alone. Some voters are navigating anger, confusion, disappointment, grief, even fear. In the immediate aftermath of a fraught election,

New research shows that high “affective polarization”—negative feelings toward those at the other end of the political divide—correlates with higher rates of PTSD.