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This Year’s Election Causing High Anxiety

electionanxiety

Image courtesy of the New York Times.

This year’s rancorous presidential election is taking a toll on the mental health of many people, according to this article in the New York Times.

Sue Elias

Sue Elias

National Association of Social Workers member Sue Elias, MSW, LCSW-R, BCD, one of the mental health therapists interviewed for the article, said she has clients who are not speaking to family members  or friends because they disagree on politics.

The election has also triggered painful memories for some women who were victims of sexual assault, said Elias, who has a practice in Manhattan. For instance, many of her patients wanted to talk about the accusations about Republican nominee Donald Trump and how he appeared to stalk Democrat nominee Hillary Clinton during the debates.

“Women said their hearts were racing during the debate, they were that triggered,” Ms. Elias said. “Some came in complaining of having had nightmares.”

Therapists suggested alleviating election anxiety by taking breaks from social media, setting specific time periods to worry, and limiting exposure to the news.

Social workers help people overcome life’s challenges, including mental illness. To learn more visit the National Association of Social Workers’ “Help Starts Here” website.

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