PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — The 2024 election has been upsetting for many people, even triggering anxiety for some.

With the race for the White House ending in a few days, KDKA-TV reporter Jessica Guay spoke with a psychologist who said: elections can harm your health but there are ways to deal with stress.

“I know some people are a little embarrassed to say, ‘The election is stressing me out and I’m overwhelmed.’ But many people experience it, and you’re not alone,” said Melissa Brown, a UPMC licensed psychologist and clinical manager.

People are bombarded with campaign ads, text messages, signs, mailers and social media posts from both political parties.

“It’s just a barrage of information, over and over again. And it’s just overwhelming for a lot of people,” Brown said.

She said election anxiety is a real thing. Some people are worried about the potential outcome of the election and are overwhelmed by all the information on television and online, particularly about the candidates’ positions on issues such as the economy, immigration and abortion.

“A lot of people recognize that whatever side you’re on, there can be profound impacts. So people get really invested, and it becomes an emotional investment in the decisions that are made,” said Brown.

Friends or family members may have different points of view. Brown said that could raise fears of a confrontation.

“We have struggled as a society to find language and common ground to be able to discuss. And that has also contributed to anxiety,” she said.

Brown said don’t get into political conversations to tell someone why they’re wrong.

“Your goal shouldn’t be to change someone’s mind, but to educate them. We can start a conversation by just trying to be curious and open-minded and even think about how that person was able to come to this point of view,” Brown said.

“Just try to remember where your stopping point is and what your boundaries are, what you will and won’t discuss with someone,” she added.

If you’re overly stressed about the election and all the information presented to you every day, there are ways to alleviate those anxieties and worries.

“It’s not really worth listening to. Throw away the flyers, scroll through what you can, mute the TV and radio. Just go to the sources you find reliable to get your information,” Brown said.

Brown also said to do one thing every day that is de-stressing, such as going out, reaching out to friends or family who can support you and having a plan of action for when the election is over.

“How can you support yourself if the results are not what you expected or hoped for? And what can you do then? We feel out of control in this situation because we are one person and our only voice But it reminds us everyone, you have a lot more ways to advocate for your needs and that could mean that this is the catalyst for engaging in something that can help you feel more in control. -she declared.

She said to check on your loved ones and watch for signs such as a change in personality, being late or missing deadlines.

There is a crisis text line for anyone experiencing stress or anxiety due to the election. You can text “ELECTION” to 741741. A crisis counselor will help you calm down.

Jessica Guay

Jessica Guay joined KDKA as a reporter in February 2021. Before joining KDKA, Jessica was a morning anchor and reporter at WJAC in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. She also served as an anchor and reporter at WCHS in Charleston, West Virginia, and WTOV in Steubenville, Ohio.