Campus community talks post-election mental health strategies

A majority of Americans reported feeling stressed before Election Day, according to CBS. UNC Clinical Psychology and Social Psychology PhD candidate Carrington Merritt said that with this election, the stakes felt much higher.

“The current college students now, for some of them this may be the first time that they're able to vote,” Merritt said. “But they have witnessed what has gone on in the last two elections, and I think that can contribute to this feeling of like, ‘I really need to do my part,’ but also recognizing that, you know, it might not be enough.” 

Megan Pruette, a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry, said she encourages people to focus on the parts of themselves that don't involve politics. 

“It's really important to try, as much as you can, to focus on your current here and now, and your current relationships,” Pruette said. “When we let our brains spin about everything that might or could happen that we don’t really know yet, and that hasn't really happened yet, then we can just go off into worry-land.”  

Comparing the election to a group project, Merritt said that post-election can be a stressful time because of the need to rely on others who align with your values and vote in a similar way. This lack of control can be hard for the human brain to accept, and we may engage in anxiety-based processes like worry and rumination to cope. 

When it comes to dealing with this heightened stress or anxiety, Merritt said journaling or talking with others to process your feelings can be helpful practices. She also said spending time outdoors, exercising and trying to find activities that keep you grounded and bring in positive emotions are important. 

“Thinking about the places where your voice and your efforts really can have an impact,” Merritt said in reference to reevaluating feelings. “Leaning into those spaces, a lot of change does happen at community, local and statewide levels.” 

Pruette said that she had to pull away from media because it became anxiety-provoking and too much for her. She emphasized doing what feels right for you post-election, whether that means getting more involved in politics, or stepping back. 

On top of the existing mental health resources such as UNC Counseling and Psychological Services, Student Wellness and the Heels Care Network, several events on campus are being held to aid students' post-election mental health. Campus Y hosted an election decompression space last week and will be hosting an upcoming event titled, “Post Election: Moving Forward Together.” A pop-up serenity space will also be held in the Student Union through Nov. 30. 

Cindy Nguyen, a sophomore who attended the election decompression event, said they felt that this was the most impactful election they'll vote in in their lifetime. In order to deal with stress or anxiety post-election, Nguyen said she will focus on the people she surrounds herself with. 

“I think it's really important that I focus on surrounding myself with my loved ones and focusing on communities that I think should be focused on, and what my values are,” Nguyen said. “And just uplifting and empathizing with others.” 

Samantha Greene, president of the Black Student Movement, said that specifically among her circle of Black women, there was a feeling of frustration and lack of value post-election. In order to boost students' mental health, Greene said BSM is focusing on ensuring that Black students know they have worth in whatever they choose to do. 

“There's plenty to be said about the work that Black students on our campus alone have been able to accomplish and the ways we've been able to impact the world around us,” Greene said. “And so the presidential seat is not the only thing to consider. The state elections are not the only things to consider. There [are] so many ways we can impact the world.” 

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