Avoiding health risks during a volatile election: Strategies to protect your mental health

As American enters into the final week of the 2020 Elections, long voting lines, divisive politics, and political attack advertisements are increasing stress levels that are just as historic as the current rate of early voting. The American Psychological Association reports that nearly 70% of respondents to a recent survey say that the elections are a significant stress source. As votes are counted, and our nation learns next week who will lead the next four years of the government, it's important to note that panicking about politics is a bipartisan experience (Chatterjee, 2020). Here are some key takeaways to help you and others in the week ahead.