Praesum Healthcare Provides Resources During Election Season and International Stress Awareness Week (November 4-8, 2024)
This week focuses on raising awareness about stress management, especially in relation to mental health disorders and recovery.
International Stress Awareness Week more timely than ever this year as it comes during fractious period of US election and politicking.
Election season is certainly empowering for any citizen in any country but the current US election cycle can also be overwhelming for mental health.
Engaging in political discourse—through calls, events, or just your general interactions at the airport or deli counter—can take a toll on mental health. International Stress Awareness Week was not designed for politics but as a reminder to practice self-care, whether in recovery, managing stress, or simply looking for balance.
Tensions are running high and you can feel it everywhere, even if you avoid the 24-hour news cycles International Stress Awareness Week was created in 2018 to raise awareness about stress reduction worldwide, with International Stress Awareness Day now going for over twenty years on the first Wednesday in November, which happens to be the day after a combative US election. So stress awareness and reduction are the keys to having a calm November and reaching the Thanksgiving table in one piece.
The theme for 2024 is campaigning to reduce stress and improve wellbeing. Like many behavioral healthcare organizations we are enhancing our outreach and collaboration with individuals who are working to reduce stress and improve lives.
Just handling our own lives without political rhetoric, stressors are seemingly everywhere, but disengagement doesn’t help because you may feel guilt about not playing your civic role. Everyone wants to stay healthy and civically active, so we can continue pushing for the policies and leaders we deserve.
Climate crisis, rising energy prices, COVID-19, war, turmoil, recession. It’s no wonder many of us are feeling more stressed than usual at the moment. The following guidance might offer some structure and support as you navigate this challenging November:
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Stay Physically Active And Engaged: Maintaining a routine, including work or school, can provide a sense of
stability where the intangibles of what might happen in the election can be avoided. Physical activity can be incredibly helpful, releasing
endorphins that improve mood and energy levels. -
Prioritize Rest And Relaxation: Aim for a good night’s sleep but avoid going to bed with the latest statement that one or other candidate said swirling in your consciousness. Restorative practices like meditation or deep breathing can be helpful as well, especially if you sever your connection with the media as you do it.
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Avoid Self-Medication: Turning to alcohol or substances may offer temporary relief but can complicate the ferocity of your stressors and lead to dependency.
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Reach Out To Others Without A Focus On Newsworthy Matters: Spend time with friends or family members focusing on your personal relationships rather than the minefields of your political ones.
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Limit Exposure to Triggers When Needed: If you cannot keep your cool during the political banter, there’s no harm in just stepping aside from it.
There are so many other arenas beyond the political spectrum in which you may find the stress ramped up a notch or two too high for your mental stability.
For example, AI and technology in general have a pernicious influence on stress. On one hand, they offer undeniable advantages, such as increased efficiency, improved tools for self-care, and enhanced communication.
On the other hand, they introduce new quandaries, including information overload, job insecurity, and the curse of all such media, comparing oneself unfavorably to others.
…and, as with the election, if the results don’t go your way, whether in an election or in your life, and you can’t seem to hold it together, please:
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Seek Counseling: Therapy may be helpful to process feelings. Talk with someone. A professional counselor may help point to specific techniques for managing the stressors that go beyond the normal ones we all experience.
At The Counseling Center, we are committed to expanding our services to meet the growing needs of our stressed-out community. We offer a safe and therapeutic environment where patients can focus on their mental health while still maintaining some level of independence.
The Counseling Center has a long history of successfully treating mental health issues that center on stress awareness:
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Intensive, Individualized Care: Designed to provide more hours of therapy and support each day, allowing for a deeper focus on recovery.
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Comprehensive Treatment Plans: Each participant receives a personalized treatment plan tailored to their unique grieving situation. This plan includes a combination of individual therapy, group therapy, medication management, and holistic therapies.
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Flexible Scheduling: While it requires a significant time commitment, it still allows for greater flexibility than inpatient care. This means you can receive the intensive support you need while continuing to manage your personal and professional responsibilities.
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Expert Clinical Team: Our experienced and compassionate team of mental health professionals is dedicated to helping you navigate your journey to recovery. They work closely with you to ensure that your treatment plan is effective and that you feel supported every step of the way.