If you’re outside of the US, you’re certainly missing one of the most contentious and controversial political elections in a very, very long time.
I have definitely opinions on it all- which is fine. The problem is that I’m letting my upset really work me into a frenzy. My friends and I talk about it- get mad about it- speculate on it. I was so frustrated yesterday that I almost started crying.
That was when I realized that the election is a trigger for me. I know, it sounds crazy! But when someone affects my sleep, that is when I have to back off. If I find myself getting too excited over something, I have to back off. I have learned this-upsetting world events are too stressful for me to jump in and get involved.
I called my most political friend and told her I had to stop talking about the situation. I am not watching television or combing the internet for stories and pictures. And I feel better.
Is it upsetting you? Are you having trouble sleeping? Are you arguing with anyone on the topic? It’s only going to get worse in the next two months, so take a good look at your mood…. staying stable so that you can vote is the goal!
Julie
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Bipolar and Political Stress - (Comments are closed) 3 comments to Bipolar and Political Stress |
Listen to Julie’s latest interview on bipolar disorder and mental health in children, teens and adults on the Mom Brain Podcast with Hilaria Baldwin and Daphne Oz.
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I’ve been watching this happen with my friends, and I have to make a conscious effort to back away so I don’t get caught up in it. It’s a balancing act sometimes.
Julie, thanks for this. I thought that it was just me. I am seemingly unable to turn it all off, because the news media seems to be saturated with coverage. It has been especially challenging because I am a middle aged woman of color and find myself taking what’s being said personally. All of this makes me feel very, very foolish. Do you have suggestions for limiting exposure and/or changing thought processes in order to get through the next couple of months?
In addition to election news, I’m limiting my exposure to much of the negative news about the economy. It seems to worsen my anxiety and starts up racing thoughts about my own financial stressors and worries about the future. Instead, I’m trying to spend time with music, friends, hobbies and anything that promotes relaxation.