Election season got you down? Join the club

It's pretty obvious at this point that the entire country is on edge. With the presidential election continuing to unfold, oh, and the global pandemic that's still going on, society is on the verge of... well... losing it.

On a more serious note though, it's true that there is a direct link between the election and mental health. Anxiety and stress are just two examples of how the masses are feeling.

2020 has been (for lack of a better term) a raging shit storm. Negative emotions didn't start with the election, but they are growing stronger because of it. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the prevalence of anxiety symptoms across all populations is three times higher than last year.

So, what can we do about this? Election news is everywhere we look and experts say that consuming too much of it can be detrimental to your mental health.

Here's a solution: limit your screen time. I know, I know, that's a wild concept to consider, but powering down your devices for a bit can be extremely helpful. Go read that book that's been collecting dust on your coffee table for months instead.

This isn't to say that you should cut out election coverage entirely. Staying informed is still important and can even help to put your mind at ease too. Just don't overdo it.

Don't forget to remind yourself that the election is not something you can control at this point either. Instead of "catastrophizing" every outcome, there is a need to accept what we cannot change.

Above all, make your mental health a priority. It's easy to get caught up in the nightmare this year has been, but taking the time to acknowledge and take care of yourself can make all the difference. The world isn't going to stop spinning on its axis if you spend even just a few extra minutes on yourself, I promise.

Hopefully this shows that, no, you are not the only one struggling. In fact, I'd be worried if you were. What you're feeling is valid and, unfortunately, it will probably stick around for a bit after the election too. Use your resources, check on your friends and family, and don't completely lose your marbles just yet.