So, here we are, America. The day we’ve all been anticipating has finally arrived. We held our breath, cast our ballots, joined hands, and wished for the best possible outcome. Our hopes were pinned on a return to civility and respect for the presidency. We longed for fewer racist voices in the mix and more advocates for equality. We sought to replace the current chaotic figure with someone who embraces science and can effectively guide us through the ongoing battle against COVID-19.
Yet, as we expected, the process has been anything but straightforward. With Trump involved, it has been riddled with insults and deception directed toward his opponent on social media, along with a barrage of new lawsuits. Naturally, any hint of losing is met with claims of unfairness or rigging.
The anxiety that has built up inside us—tightening our shoulders and causing headaches and sleepless nights—is still taking its toll. Donald Trump, it seems, is not finished causing chaos in our nation.
And so we continue to wait. We await the final results, the next steps from Trump, and the potential fallout from his actions. We worry about further division, spreading hate, inciting violence, and the damage done to a nation he pledged to serve with honor, yet has instead treated like a reality show to fuel his ego.
I remember staying up to watch the election results four years ago, going to bed thinking Hillary had won, only to wake up to a shocking reality.
Confessions of Election Anxiety
Confessional #25804152: “I’m terrified to watch the election results tonight.”
Confessional #25804057: “This election has me so on edge, I feel frozen. I need to start taking care of myself again.”
Confessional #25802282: “This election and pandemic is killing my soul.”
Confessional #25800148: “The pandemic, election, and darkness by 6 PM have my depression and anxiety in overdrive. I’m not sure I’ll survive the winter.”
Confessional #25799712: “I’m so tired of feeling sad all the time. I want both the pandemic and the election to be over.”
The stress from this election has impacted our mental and physical health. After the dust settles, we must prioritize self-care.
Confessional #25803980: “I’m looking forward to the election being over, but I’m still not hopeful about the days that follow.”
Confessional #25803615: “I’m brimming with anxiety for next week. I’m eager for the election to conclude, but I worry about the aftermath, regardless of who wins.”
Confessional #25804031: “I’m staying in today. I’ve stocked up on months’ worth of supplies, hoping I won’t need them but feeling more secure nonetheless.”
But even if Trump officially loses, can we truly relax? Will we be able to take a deep breath, or will he incite violence, initiate endless lawsuits, and refuse to leave the Oval Office? Anything is possible with him.
From November 3rd to January 20th, I wish I could just disappear. My anxiety has reached its peak because of this election. How did we end up here?
Confessional #25803974: “Let’s just get this election and COVID madness over so I can return to a semblance of normalcy! Scratch that, I want to stay home without the fear of dying from a virus or civil unrest.”
Confessional #25803950: “Put my little one to bed early. I’m drinking wine on the couch with my partner, watching the election results. I feel like this night will be unforgettable… no matter the outcome.”
Confessional #25804129: “Some of us want to shut our eyes and wake up months later when it’s all over. Others are glued to multiple news sources, absorbing history as it unfolds. Regardless, it’s consuming America right now, and we’re all feeling the strain.”
It’s unfortunate how the 2020 election has driven wedges between families, strained marriages, and severed friendships. Once this is all over, there will be much healing to do. We’ll need to rebuild bridges and mend the rifts that this administration has caused.
It has been quite some time since our country has been so divided, and there’s a lot of work ahead of us. Let’s hope that the first step is the removal of the current president, allowing for a leader who embodies civility and compassion.
Perhaps then, once he’s gone and social media has permanently silenced him, we can finally exhale and let some of our election-related anxiety fade away.
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Summary:
The election is causing significant stress and anxiety for many Americans, as they navigate the uncertainty and division it brings. Confessions reveal feelings of fear, exhaustion, and a desire for normalcy amidst the chaos. The aftermath of this election will require healing and rebuilding, regardless of the outcome, and there is hope for a return to civility and compassion in leadership.