Queer, Sensitive, and Stressed: Survival Strategies For Election Anxiety
Election Day Photo by Ben Mater Unsplash
Election Anxiety for Highly Sensitive Queers (HSQs)
Note: This post was originally published before Vice President Kamala Harris entered the race on July 21st, 2024, and has been updated to reflect the 2024 election cycle and recent developments.
“Kamala Harris enters the race, aiming to unite a fractured Democratic party.”
“Trump continues to rally supporters, pushing disinformation about 2024.”
“Polls show a tight race between Harris and Trump in battleground states.”
Since Vice President Kamala Harris officially stepped in to lead the Democratic charge, media speculation has been rampant. Will Harris unite the party, or will Trump steamroll his way back to power? This came up at my recent, longstanding monthly women's meeting. People were buzzing with excitement about Harris entering the race, feeling a level of hope that some hadn’t experienced since Obama’s campaign. But underneath that hope, there was a current of anxiety—maybe even terror—about what would happen if Trump were elected again, this time without any guardrails to keep him in check.
And Trump—as usual—continues his relentless disinformation campaign, stirring up fears about the border, pushing baseless conspiracy theories, and creating a culture of division. At a recent rally in Aurora, Colorado, Trump displayed mugshots of two alleged members of a Venezuelan gang, both of whom were Hispanic, further fueling his long-standing narrative of demonizing immigrants. His message, as always, is designed to stoke fear and division, and for those of us who feel everything deeply, it’s exhausting to watch.
The Stakes Are Higher for Queer Folks in 2024
For the queer community, this election isn’t just about politics—it’s about our rights and our survival. Trump’s return could mean more aggressive attacks on LGBTQ+ protections, more anti-trans legislation, and even threats to marriage equality. It’s hard to ignore the anxiety that comes with seeing the erosion of rights we’ve fought so hard to secure.
But while it’s essential to stay informed and involved, we also need to take care of our mental health. The media thrives on sensationalism and fear, but we don’t have to play along. Trump’s ongoing disinformation, particularly around reproductive rights, is a prime example of this chaos.
Recently, Trump has been flip-flopping on reproductive rights. Despite his administration’s role in restricting abortion access, he’s now trying to cast himself as “women’s protector,” making outlandish claims like, “women won’t be thinking about abortion” if he’s elected. In the same breath, he pushes baseless narratives about Kamala Harris wanting to fund sex change operations for undocumented prisoners and claims that children are undergoing gender-affirming surgeries at school without parental consent. This kind of rhetoric creates confusion and fear—and, for those of us paying attention, it’s exhausting.
Developing Resilience
Building resilience is key to managing stress during such tumultuous times.
Instead of moving to Canada, here are some ways to manage pre-election anxiety as an HSP:
Self-Care Plan
Your current self-care practices might not work quite as well as they did before, so check in with what is possible right now. Did you used to love meditation and now the silence is overwhelming? Then maybe shorten your meditation time and also go for a walk. Does meditation not work at all anymore? That’s okay—replace it with something that brings even 5% more calm to your day. It’s important to remember that the goal isn’t to feel 100% calmer, but to experience any type of shift, no matter how small.
Building a Support Network
Surround yourself with supportive friends and family who understand your sensitivities and can provide a safe space for you to express your feelings. While it's important to respect differing opinions, having a supportive network is crucial for your mental health. It helps to be around people who respect your need for emotional safety and who can offer comfort during stressful times.
Set Limits on Media Consumption (and Coversation)
It’s so easy to get pulled into conversations, especially now with the debate, and it will continue as we get closer to November. As highly sensitive people, we can fall into the role of being a listener/mediator or caretaker, but it’s also okay to step away from these intense conversations or set limits on them. Because we can’t expect people to be mind readers, it’s important to let them know before you are wiped out. This means you need to know how long it works for you to talk about it. Come up with something to say like “I’m needing some space from the whole subject right now.” Who knows, other people might be relieved to get a break from the overwhelm of the election.
Take Social Media Breaks
When during the day is your anxiety higher? Where do you feel the tension? Does your heart rate get higher? Does your chest hurt after listening to the news? Do you notice having a headache after you have a talk with friends about their own election anxiety? The good thing is that you can actually control your anxiety and its effects. Limit the amount of news, social media, and conversations you have around the election. Before you turn on the news first thing in the morning, or in the evening, pause and check in with yourself. Is the news what you need right now? If not, turn on some music or a podcast. Better yet, go for a walk, cuddle with your pet, or talk to a friend. They need you too.
Create a Self-Care Plan
Your current self-care practices might not work quite as well as it did before - so check in with what is possible right now. Did you used to love meditation and now the silence is overwhelming? Then maybe shorten your meditation time and also go for a walk. Does meditation not work at all anymore? That’s ok - maybe what’s needed right now is to skip it and replace it with something that brings even 5% more calm to your day. It’s important to remember that the goal isn’t to feel 100% calmer (although that would be amazing). The goal is to feel any type of shift - and if that’s a small shift then that’s great.
Planning for Election Day
Though voting day is several months away, it's never too early to start planning how you'll take care of yourself on November 5th. Do you want to be alone, or would you rather be with a friend or maybe with your LGBTQ+ community? This might be an important day to take off work and set clear boundaries for yourself. As HSPs who feel and absorb emotions around us, it’s important to step away from other people’s election day anxiety. Remember, we might not know the results right away, and, who knows, there might even be a recount.
Preparing for both pre- and post-election anxiety with care and compassion is essential.
Separate People (and Their Inherent Value) from Their Viewpoints
Talking with "Trumpers" (And Finding Compassion)
Navigating relationships with people who support Trump can be one of the most challenging aspects of election season, especially when their views feel like personal attacks. However, arguing rarely leads to productive outcomes. Instead, try approaching these conversations with compassion.
Set Boundaries: Politely let them know you don’t want to discuss politics.
Exercise Empathy: Recall times when you changed your beliefs, reminding yourself that people are more than their political views.
Find Common Ground: Focus on shared values like safety and well-being.
Know When to Walk Away: If it becomes too emotionally draining, it’s okay to step back.
Final Thoughts
These strategies are meant to help Highly Sensitive Queer folks navigate the emotional strain of this election season. We don’t have to let the political chaos consume us. By building resilience, setting boundaries, and caring for our mental health, we can stay engaged without sacrificing our emotional well-being. Take care of yourself, stay grounded, and remember: it's okay to protect your peace.
Suggested Resources:
24-Hour Crisis Text Line
Text HELLO to 741741 for free, confidential support at any time.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for free, confidential support 24/7.
The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Youth)
Call 1-866-488-7386, text START to 678678, or chat online for crisis intervention and suicide prevention services.
Trans Lifeline
Call 1-877-565-8860 for peer support services run by and for trans people.
LGBT National Help Center
Call 1-888-843-4564 or use their online chat for peer support and local resources.
SAMHSA’s National Helpline
Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for confidential, free help from public health agencies to find substance use treatment and mental health services.
For more self-care tips, check out: Thriving as a Sensitive Soul: Self-Care for LGBTQIA+ HSPs
Disclaimer
My blog posts are my reflections and thoughts on mental health topics and do not replace therapy or getting support from a licensed mental health professional. The advice provided is general in nature and may not be suitable for everyone. If you are experiencing mental health issues, please seek personalized assistance from a qualified professional.
All rights reserved: Tori Corbett Counseling. 2024
