| With the U.S. election happening this week—smack dab in the middle of a pandemic and a worldwide crusade against racial injustice—there’s no denying it’s a stressful time. According to the American Psychological Association, 68% of Americans say the current political climate is a significant source of stress regardless of their preferred candidate. (That’s up from 52% in 2016.) We’re feeling the stress in Canada, too. The impact of American politics, after all, is not limited by borders, and can affect global issues including everything from migration to environmental policy. Plus, uncertainty—of our political future, health and economy—has already raised stress and anxiety levels for most of us thanks to the pandemic, which has caused job insecurity, health scares and a lack of access to our usual supports, like seeing friends and simply being able to get out. A recent Angus Reid Institute poll found that 50% of Canadians feel their mental health has worsened since the start of the pandemic in March. Here are five expert tools you can use on the big day and well after to manage your stress and anxiety. |
