Political Pressure
In case you haven't noticed, we are in full-blown election season right now. This past week in particular was full of major headlines, starting with an attempted assassination of President Trump, and ending with his speech formally accepting the nomination of the Republican party. On the other side of the political aisle, Biden has been reported to be recovering from COVID amid his re-election campaign.
As a starting point, our interest is in policy surrounding mental health access and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health issues in the legal profession. We do not endorse candidates and look forward to advocating for mental health issues regardless of who wins in November.
However, it is undeniable that many might be dealing with an increase in mental health challenges during this highly charged political election cycle. This may come in the form of anxiety for the future, fear about what a certain election result might mean for you or your loved ones, or general apathy over the state of the world.
First of all, if you are feeling this way know that it is normal. Know too that you are not alone. Many other people are feeling it too. And if it is getting to be too much, know that help is available.
Our peer support program is meant for legal professionals, but that does not mean we only talk about the stress of the profession. We recognize that other events, whether they are personal or global, might also impact you, just as they impact so many of us. We' understand and we are here to help.
Know too that there are things you can do to take care of your mental health amid this election cycle. The easiest thing to do is to turn off the news and social media or limit it to specific times during the day. You can also reconnect with friends and family. This is especially true if your friends and family view things differently than you. Engaging with those of different opinions helps us remember the things that we hold in common, which can also help offset anxiety about the future.
Lastly, know that you can become involved. This might look like volunteering with a political campaign you support or volunteering with an organization that aligns with your values. This can help you feel like you are actively doing something to protect your ideals, which also can offset anxiety about the future.
Again, if you are feeling stressed over the current political atmosphere, you are not alone. If the symptoms related to this stress and anxiety are impacting your daily life, know that help is available. And know that these feelings will pass.