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Writer's picturekweiquartey
4 days ago3 min read

25 Effective Ways to Combat Political Stress Syndrome (PSS) During Election Season


Diverse group of people of color casting their votes at a community voting center, showing happy, smiling faces during a hopeful election experience.

What is Political Stress Syndrome (PSS)?

Political Stress Syndrome (PSS) is an increasingly recognized mental health concern. Characterized by anxiety, depression, and stress brought on by political events, it affects countless people during election seasons. Here are 25 practical ways to protect your mental well-being:

1. Limit News Consumption

  • Too much media exposure can exacerbate PSS. By setting time limits on your news consumption, you can experience a sense of relief and avoid information overload. For more information, see this guide on managing news intake.

2. Unplug from Social Media

  • Social media can fuel Political Stress Syndrome (PSS). Consider taking social media breaks, especially on high-stakes election days. 

3. Engage in Physical Exercise

4. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation

  • Mindfulness and meditation can ease anxiety, helping you cope with PSS.


Diverse individuals practicing mindfulness in a park, seated in meditation pose with serene expressions surrounded by greenery and soft sunlight.


5. Focus on Local Politics

  • Shifting your attention from national to local politics can give you a sense of empowerment and reduce the impact of PSS. Learn about how local civic engagement can help by visiting this article on community activism.

6. Stick to a Routine

  • Maintaining a routine provides stability during election season, which is essential for those affected by PSS.

7. Connect with Loved Ones

  • Talking with loved ones can alleviate the symptoms of PSS if it doesn’t provoke arguments (see #8).


    A group of friends from diverse backgrounds enjoying a casual outdoor picnic, laughing and chatting together in a lush, green park.

8. Limit Conversations About Politics

  • Setting boundaries for political conversations is critical. Limit your involvement in heated discussions to avoid situations that increase PSS. By avoiding or limiting exposure to contentious political debates, you can reduce the likelihood of experiencing heightened stress and anxiety.

9. Educate Yourself on Voting Resources

  • Being prepared with information on how and where to vote can reduce the anxiety associated with PSS. Visit Vote.org for comprehensive voting resources.

10. Seek Professional Help

  • If your Political Stress Syndrome (PSS) becomes overwhelming, seek help from a therapist. BetterHelp offers affordable online therapy sessions.

11. Volunteer for Causes You Believe In

  • Volunteering transforms political anxiety into positive action.



12. Create Art or Write

  • Art and writing provide a creative outlet to express political stress. Explore this guide on art therapy to understand how art can help alleviate PSS.

13. Find Support Groups

  • Joining support groups can help manage PSS. For mental health resources, visit NAMI.

14. Plan Your Voting Day

  • Having a clear voting plan can minimize stress.

15. Do the Things You Love

  • Engaging in hobbies you enjoy is a great way to combat Political Stress Syndrome (PSS). For inspiration, check out this article on the importance of hobbies.


    A person of color painting a colorful abstract canvas in a sunlit art studio, surrounded by art supplies and deeply focused on their creative work.

16. Filter Your News Sources

  • Stick to reliable, fact-checked news sources to avoid sensationalism and misinformation that can amplify PSS. Find reliable sources here.

17. Control What You Can

  • Focus on what’s within your control rather than outcomes you can’t influence.

18. Get Involved in Civic Education

19. Use Political Stress-Tracking Apps

  • Apps like Calm or Wysa offer specific techniques for managing election-related stress. Learn about mental health apps.

20. Take Digital Sabbaths

  • Spend an entire weekend without digital devices to refresh and recharge your mind. Discover more about digital detox.

21. Join Activist Circles

  • Turn your frustration into action by joining a local activist group. Being part of a collective can help alleviate the helplessness that often fuels PSS. Learn more about getting involved wherever you are located.

22. Adopt a Gratitude Practice

  • Focusing on what’s positive in your life can counter the negative impacts of PSS. Here’s a guide to starting a gratitude practice.


a diverse group of people engaging in gratitude journaling in a cozy, warmly lit setting, which beautifully illustrates the concept of reflecting on gratitude.

23. Practice Deep Breathing

24. Remember, Elections Are Cyclical

  • Elections come and go; even if the outcome isn’t ideal, there will be another opportunity. Read more on political resilience.

25. Stay Hopeful and Optimistic

  • Remind yourself that change is gradual, and hope remains a critical part of civic engagement. Explore how hope can help reduce stress.


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