Maintaining Mental Health Wellness during Political Uncertainty

Political uncertainty can negatively affect mental health. Fortunately, there are several things that can done to try to minimise the effect of happenings that is beyond ones control and this article will help you explore some ways to deal with the situation

Stay informed, but be aware of your limits

Consider how much information and news you take in and reflect on how it’s affecting you. Try to accept that with global and national events there are things that are out of our control.

If you feel distressed by what is in the media, limit your consumption of social media. This also includes watching and reading the news. There are apps and websites that can help you by temporarily blocking access to social media or certain websites. Look for positive stories that are uplifting and can distract you from the unrest. If disengaging completely feels like too much, create limits for yourself, like setting a timer that allows you to engage, but reminds you to stop.

Engage with your community in a meaningful way

If you feel that political uncertainty is affecting your community, see if you can be meaningfully involved with local grassroots or community groups working on issues that are important to you.

It is a known fact that helping others is good for mental health. For example, if you are concerned about the impact on the homeless or the needy, consider volunteering at a food bank. You may want to seek the views of your local representative or see if any local events have been organized where topics you’re interested in are being discussed.

Empower your voice

Regardless of where you stand on issues, you may feel powerless if you have opinions but remain distant. Focus on what you’ve got in common. You could join a political party if you feel this could amplify your voice, or you could also explore ways to be engaged in a political community.

It is healthy to have friends, colleagues and family who have a range of different political opinions. It can be a great thing to spend time with others with a range of views, as it can help us to keep an open mind and to understand where other people are coming from.

If a topic comes up that you disagree with, try to avoid aggressive discussion and, instead, focus on active listening, respectful discussion and assertive communication. If a comment upsets you, take a break, pause the conversation and come back when you feel ready. There may be things that you can agree on. But if you don’t agree, don’t be abusive to your friends and family or about the politicians involved. Remember that everyone should be treated with respect and listen to others’ opinions

Maintain Your Routine and Engage in Healthy Activities

Try to strike a balance between keeping up with current events and going about your daily life. Basic acts of self-care can make a real difference during times of stress: take breaks while studying, connect more often with family and friends, take on fewer commitments, engage in spiritual or religious practices, or go for a walk. Find what feels nurturing to you.

Practice Relaxation

Try self-soothing strategies like walking, meditating, breathing exercises, listening to music, or whatever you find helpful.

Don’t bottle it up

If you are feeling overwhelmed, don’t suppress your feelings. Get some support: talk to a friend, or family member or make an appointment to see your GP. There are also telephone helplines that provide vital emotional support during stressful times.

Talk to children

Research shows that scary news is also likely to affect your children. Notice how your children are exposed to news and whether their behaviour has changed (for example, are they getting easily irritated or are having nightmares?)

Have an honest discussion with them.

Be truthful, give them facts and allow plenty of time for questions. It’s always best to wait for the next question, rather than racing ahead and giving them too much information all at once. Sometimes they won’t need as much as you might want yourself. Remember that small doses of real-time news are helpful, but over-exposure is not.

Keeping abreast of happenings around the globe is quite important but if not managed properly might be overwhelming and eventually impact negatively on one’s mental health. Remember, maintaining a good mental health is your responsibility. Keep living healthy.