Living with ADHD and Anxiety? Here’s How to Take Care of Your Mental Health this Election Season
Let’s be real: election season can be… a lot. And if you’re dealing with ADHD or anxiety, the usual intensity ramps up even higher, right? Between the nonstop news, heated conversations, and the emotional rollercoaster of it all, it can feel like our peace is being tugged from every direction.
So here’s my reminder: your mental health is essential. You don’t owe a response to every headline, social media post, or breaking news alert. By all means, we should exercise our right to vote as citizens. As we head into this season, let’s get grounded, protect our energy, and hold onto our joy. Here are four ways to stay connected to yourself and keep your mental health front and center.
1. Set Boundaries with the News
You don’t need a Ph.D. in every political update to be informed. There’s this pressure to know every single detail—don’t fall for it! Pick one reliable source, set a time each day to catch up, and then step away. Constantly checking the news can make anxiety spike, so give yourself permission to unplug without guilt. Remember, staying informed and staying sane can go hand in hand.
2. Create Pockets of Peace (And Guard Them!)
Think of these as little “me time” islands in your day. They’re your sacred moments: a few minutes to breathe, stretch, listen to your favorite song, or sip on some tea. Schedule them like meetings, set a reminder, and when it’s time, let the world wait. These small breaks make a huge difference, helping you reset and recharge so you’re not running on empty by the end of the day.
3. Focus on What You Can Control
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by what’s out of our hands in this season—polls, opinions, other people’s stress, you name it. Instead, channel that energy toward the things you do have power over, like your self-care rituals, who you talk to, or even volunteering for causes that resonate with you. This shift can be freeing, giving you back control over how you move through each day, regardless of what’s going on outside.
4. Lean on Your People
You don’t have to navigate this season solo. Lean into spaces that make you feel seen and supported. Reach out to friends who get it, join a supportive group online, or touch base with a therapist if you have one. Even a quick text convo can lift your spirits and remind you that you’re not alone in this. Our communities are powerful sources of strength, so lean in.
As the election season heats up, check in with yourself often. You deserve to feel centered, supported, and yes—joyful! Remember, you’re more than just a voter or an advocate; you’re a whole person, worthy of love, peace, and rest.
Take care, keep showing up for yourself, and let’s protect our peace this season.
