ST. CLOUD, Fla. — The most controversial presidential race in modern history is causing doubt and worry among many Americans.
What You Need To Know
- Mental health expert: Clients putting off appointments during the election
- Her advice: Keep busy, limit social media
- RELATED: United States of Anxiety: Dealing With Election Stress
Kathy Clatworthy, a veteran from St. Cloud, has been dealing with PTSD for years, but she said this election has been extra stressful for her.
“Families aren’t talking to families… Friends are leaving each other because of their party,” Clatworthy said.
Alyssa Noel, who is in the mental health field and the co-owner of Private Practice Prep Academy, said she’s seen an increase in fear and nervousness among patients.
“They say, create a plan to vote … We say create a plan to protect your mental health,” Noel said.
Noel has noticed clients putting off appointments this election season and becoming consumed by politics instead.
“We are already dealing with a pandemic," Noel said. "And on top of that now, we’re dealing with uncertainty and that’s really what brings about fear and anxiety. We are uncertain about things. We don't know what’s going to happen, we don't know how our lives will change. So that's why we're suggesting you really pay attention to your mental health.”
Noel suggests people who are overwhelmed with emotion keep busy, limit their social media, and find support within family or friends.