Election season can bring up a lot of anxiety because it involves big decisions that impact the future of the country, communities, and even your personal life. Constant media coverage, political discussions, and social media debates can amplify feelings of uncertainty and overwhelm. It’s normal to feel stressed, but there are ways to manage it.

• Limit media consumption: Constantly watching the news or scrolling through social media can increase anxiety. Set boundaries for how much time you spend consuming election-related content.
• Practice mindfulness: Take breaks to do breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga. These activities help center your mind and relieve tension.
• Take care of your body: Getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and exercising can improve your mood and overall resilience to stress.
• Stick to your routine: Consistency is key when managing stress. Try to keep up with your daily tasks, even if it feels hard. This will give you a sense of control.
• Reach out for support: Talk to friends, family, or a counselor if you're feeling overwhelmed. Sharing your feelings can lighten the emotional load.

• Vote early or by mail: If waiting until Election Day feels stressful, consider voting early or by absentee ballot. This reduces the pressure and gives you time to focus on your mental health.
• Get involved at your comfort level: If activism helps you feel empowered, join a student group, attend peaceful events, or volunteer in a way that feels right for you. If it feels too much, it's okay to step back and limit your involvement.
• Remember self-care: Participating doesn’t mean you have to neglect your own well-being. Stay engaged but know when to take a break.

• Set boundaries: It’s okay to say, “I don’t want to discuss politics right now.” You have the right to protect your mental health.
• Stay respectful: If you do choose to engage in political conversations, remember to be respectful of differing opinions. If a conversation becomes too heated, it’s okay to politely step away.
• Know when to disengage: If discussions are causing stress or harm to your relationships, it’s okay to stop engaging in political talk, especially on social media.

• Report incidents: If a member of the university community observes any concerning behavior that needs to be brought to the attention of the student intervention team (SIT), individuals should report the behavior using the online incident reporting form. The offices and individuals reviewing these reports will triage to the most appropriate unit to handle the situation and/or convene the entire SIT as necessary. “Tell Somebody” Online Incident Report Form: https://www.easternct.edu/tell-somebody/tell-somebody.html
• Seek support: Reach out to campus counseling services (CAPS) for guidance and emotional support.
• Build a support network: Surround yourself with friends and groups that make you feel safe and valued.

• Create a schedule for news: Set specific times to check the news or social media. Avoid checking before bed to help you wind down more easily.
• Curate your social media feed: Follow accounts that provide accurate information without sensationalism, and mute or unfollow accounts that increase your stress.
• Focus on what you can control: It’s easy to feel powerless, but remember that voting, volunteering, and staying informed are ways you can contribute positively. Don’t dwell on what you can’t change.

• Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): CAPS offers free, confidential counseling to help students manage stress, anxiety, and election-related concerns.
• Student Affairs: They can provide additional support and guidance on how to navigate stressful situations.

• Check in on friends: See how your friends are doing and offer support when needed. Even a simple message can make a difference.
• Participate in mutual aid: Offer what you can to help others, whether it’s giving a ride to the polls, lending an ear, or sharing resources.
• Respect different experiences: Everyone experiences stress differently. Be kind and understanding, especially when others might react in ways you don’t expect.

• Give yourself time to process: It's normal to feel a range of emotions after the election, no matter the result. Take time to reflect and process your feelings before jumping back into political conversations or social media.
• Talk to someone: Reaching out to a friend or a counselor can help you navigate your emotions.
• Engage in self-care: Do activities that help you relax and recharge. This could be anything from going for a walk to watching your favorite movie.

• Focus on small wins: Even if things don’t go the way you hoped, remember that progress is often gradual. Celebrate the small victories.
• Stay connected to causes you care about: Join groups or initiatives that work toward long-term change. Being involved in something bigger than yourself can help provide purpose and hope.
• Take a break: Sometimes, stepping back and recharging is the best way to prepare yourself for future action.

Some signs that a student might be experiencing election-related stress include:

• Sudden changes in class participation or attendance.
• Increased irritability or emotional responses during class discussions, particularly on sensitive topics.
• Difficulty concentrating or completing assignments.
• Reaching out for extensions or special accommodations due to feeling overwhelmed.

Encourage an open dialogue in class and let students know it’s okay to feel anxious. Be prepared to offer support or refer them to appropriate campus resources.

• Be flexible: If students are struggling with stress, consider allowing extensions on assignments or offering alternative methods of participation, such as virtual or written contributions.
• Create a safe space: Let students know that your classroom is a space where respectful dialogue is encouraged, but it's okay to avoid political discussions if they feel emotionally drained.
• Refer them to campus resources: Encourage students to use support services like Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) or join student groups focused on mental well-being.
• Check-in: If you notice a student is struggling, a simple email or message asking how they are doing can make a big difference. You don’t need to solve their problems—just offering a listening ear can be helpful.

• Set clear guidelines: At the start of class, outline the expectations for respectful political discussions. Encourage critical thinking and debate, but remind students to listen to one another and avoid personal attacks.
• Offer neutral perspectives: When leading discussions, try to provide balanced views to help students think critically about all sides of an issue.
• De-escalate tense situations: If a discussion becomes too heated, intervene calmly. You can pause the conversation and suggest taking a break or changing the subject temporarily to help everyone cool down.
• Acknowledge emotions: Let students know it's okay to feel emotional about political topics, and encourage them to be mindful of how they communicate with their peers.

• Encourage professional help: While faculty and staff can be supportive, it’s important to remind students that professional counselors are available at CAPS. Provide them with the contact information for these services.
• Be empathetic: Acknowledge their concerns and validate their feelings. Let them know that it's normal to feel stressed and that support is available.
• Follow up: If a student reaches out for help, follow up later to check how they are doing, especially if they shared that they were feeling overwhelmed.

• Set boundaries on news and social media: Just like students, faculty and staff can become overwhelmed by constant media coverage. Set limits on how much news you consume and when you check it.
• Practice self-care: Make sure to take time for activities that help you relax, such as exercise, reading, or spending time with friends and family. Prioritize sleep and eating well, as these can improve your ability to manage stress.
• Connect with colleagues: Talking to fellow faculty or staff members can help you feel less isolated. Share how you're feeling, and you may find that others are experiencing similar emotions.
• Access employee assistance programs: Eastern offers the EMPLOYEE & FAMILY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP) to all staff. This is a confidential counseling and referral service for assistance in coping with problems that may affect work performance. You may call Solutions EAP at 1-800-526-3485 or visit https://www.solutions-eap.com

• Set clear boundaries: While it’s important to be available to students, be mindful of your own capacity. Set office hours or designated times when students can discuss their concerns, and don’t feel pressured to be available at all times.
• Refer, don’t fix: Encourage students to use university resources like CAPS or student affairs. You don’t have to take on the role of a counselor—your job is to point them in the right direction.
• Take breaks: Supporting students during stressful times can take an emotional toll. Make sure to schedule breaks for yourself throughout the day to avoid burnout.

• Foster inclusivity: Make sure students feel heard, no matter their political beliefs. Encourage diverse viewpoints while promoting a culture of respect and understanding.
• Acknowledge stress: At the start of a class, mention that you’re aware election season can be difficult. Offering a quick check-in, even with a casual, "How’s everyone doing today?" can create a sense of support.
• Offer stress relief activities: If time allows, incorporate brief moments of mindfulness or relaxation exercises into your class. Even a five-minute guided breathing session can help students reset.

• Establish ground rules early: At the beginning of the semester or ahead of election season, create guidelines for how political discussions will be handled in your classroom. Emphasize respect, active listening, and a focus on issues rather than personal attacks.
• Use de-escalation techniques: If a conflict arises, remain calm and impartial. Encourage students to pause, breathe, and refocus the discussion on facts and respectful communication. You can also assign a reflective writing task to help students process their thoughts before speaking.
• Provide alternative engagement: If some students are particularly sensitive to political discussions, offer alternative ways for them to participate. For example, let them submit written reflections or discuss the topic in smaller groups rather than in the larger class.

• Be flexible with deadlines: If possible, allow students some flexibility around major deadlines, understanding that many might feel mentally and emotionally overwhelmed.
• Connect content to real-world issues: If appropriate, relate course content to the election in a way that promotes critical thinking and analysis without increasing stress. This can help students see the value of their learning during this time.
• Offer low-stakes assessments: Instead of focusing on high-pressure exams or assignments, incorporate smaller, more frequent assessments that keep students engaged without adding to their stress.

• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP): Eastern offers the EMPLOYEE & FAMILY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP) to all staff. This is a confidential counseling and referral service for assistance in coping with problems that may affect work performance. You may call Solutions EAP at 1-800-526-3485 or visit https://www.solutions-eap.com
• Professional Development Workshops: Join AASCU’s ADP for a thoughtful conversation after the 2024 elections. They are hosting a webinar on November 15, 2024 at 3 p.m. called “After the Ballots: Navigating the 2024 Election Outcomes Join AASCU’s ADP for a thoughtful conversation after the 2024 elections.” You can register for free here: https://aascu.org/events/after-the-ballots-navigating-the-2024-election-outcomes/
• Faculty Networks: Connect with faculty colleagues through groups or forums that share ideas on supporting students and managing classroom dynamics during election season.
• Additional Election Resources: https://www.easternct.edu/center-for-teaching-learning-and-assessment/teaching-resources/election-2024-resources.html