I will always remember the weeks leading up to the 2020 presidential election: Turning on the TV and seeing one attack ad after another, claiming the world was going to implode if a certain candidate pulled ahead. Opening Snapchat and watching my phone screen fill with catastrophic headlines about everything from gun violence to climate change. Mediating heated arguments that broke out between friends when we tried to study for our gov exam.
I was basically existing in nonstop election stress mode. I tossed and turned in my sleep, stayed up late refreshing poll predictions and avoided convos with extended family for fear of broaching too-touchy subjects.
And, not to seem overly dramatic, but it was even difficult to get excited about the future—school dances, sports championships, the holidays—when all the adults around me were acting like the apocalypse was inevitable and starting promptly on Nov. 3.
Now here we are, four years later, and it all feels, well, worse. And I'm not alone in my election apprehension: A recent study by the American Psychiatric Association reported that 43% of people are more anxious than they were a year ago—with almost 75% saying the upcoming vote was the source of their stress. "I feel like it's all anyone is talking about," says Madeleine M., 16. "Like part of my brain has to be thinking about it all the time."
Whether you're feeling nervous, sad or downright angry (or a different combo each day), you *can* survive this supercharged election cycle, even if you aren't able to cast a ballot. It's all about having the right strategies for calming your emotions and focusing on the factors you can control.
DITCH DOOMSCROLLING
While there are some ways that social media can be a positive force during an election year (like Instagram's campaign to connect users with voter registration info), there's a definite dark side to these platforms, too.
Having access to an endless scroll of election-related content (think: debate sound bites, infographics or even funny edits) can be insightful. But in a split second, you may fall into a toxic rabbit hole of angry tirades, divisive rhetoric, false information, conspiracy theories and even hate speech.
Elena F., 15, recognizes the problem with doomscrolling but admits it's tough for her to stop when she's trying to get a better grasp on the issues and arguments. "Even if I know it's not good for me, I want to stay informed, so I keep going and wind up feeling more stressed than when I started."
Mallory Grimste, a teen mental health therapist, says that striking the balance between being in the loop and totally sucked in is tricky, but not impossible.
She recommends muting or even unfollowing accounts whose content routinely upsets you–even if it is "news." "You can still check in on what they're posting, but they aren't as likely to show up on your feed when you're scrolling to relax or connect with friends versus seeking out information to help you stay current," she says.
In lieu of deleting the apps altogether, you can also set a timer for 15 minutes each morning where you focus on getting your daily election update. When your alarm beeps, those #2024Election search results on Snapchat/Insta/Threads get closed for good. Turn off notifs, too, so that an upsetting quote or new poll prediction doesn't catch you off-guard midday and wreck your mood.
Most importantly, keep your phone charging in a separate room when it's time to wind down for bed. No blue light + no freaky headlines = much better sleep.
KISS THE CLICKBAIT GOODBYE
One second you see a TikTok declaring the election is totally rigged and the next you're watching someone say one of the candidates has been replaced by a robot? Huh?
Real talk: Your primary source for election updates should never be TikTok. Since your feed is governed by an algorithm that wants to grab your attention and keep you scrolling, it's incentivized to show you stuff that's sensational, scandalous or just outright false.
And while it's sometimes easy to tell what's fake (we doubt you'll be falling for a robot rumor anytime soon), now that AI is able to fabricate audio and video clips, the lines between reality and misinformation are definitely blurry.
Instead, source your updates from credible new organizations, whose reputations depend on providing accurate info that can *actually* be backed up. As an added measure, you can do a quick Google search of an article's author to find out more about their background–and if they're inclined to lean one way or another (guides like Vote Smart or VOTE411 also provide region-specific info that's fact-checked and not sponsored by any particular party).
SET BOUNDARIES AND STICK TO THEM
These days, just about any group gathering is fair game for talking about the election. When chatting with people you know have different perspectives, it's best to have a plan to avoid any awk scenarios.
Set an intention before heading into a sitch where you suspect people might butt heads politically. Are you prepared to hash it out if someone questions your beliefs? Or are you hoping to chill on the conflict and just enjoy dinner with your grandma/the car ride with your friend's dad/your coach's hot taks on last weekend's game? Either way is totally OK. Just check in with yourself so you know ahead of time what convos you're up for–that way you can come into it with a positive mindset (and bail if you feel uncomfortable).
And those times when you'd rather avoid a sparring sesh? Keep a few phrases handy for switching subjects fast. When someone steers the topic toward politics, you can always return to common ground by saying, "Oh that reminds me of this exciting thing we talked about in class,…" or "it's definitely an exciting race? Can someone pass the ketchup?"
RISE ABOVE THE RANCOR
In the moments when you do decide to dive into debate, remember that you probably won't be able to persuade everyone to see eye-to-eye. in just one convo (even with a perfectly rehearsed speech). On the other hand, you don't have to cave on your position, either. You can listen to other POVs respectfully while sticking to your own.
And when your aunt rolls her eyes at your opinion or gets you caught in a never-ending back-and-forth? Grimste recommends what she calls the "Rule of Two": responding respectfully once, maybe twice, before changing the subject or exiting the convo. "It can be easy to talk 'at' each other rather than 'with' each other when one or more people involved are very emotional," Grimste says. "This approach works because you and the other person have an opportunity to reconnect later with clearer, more understanding minds."
We're not saying you have to endure an endless monologue from everyone you disagree with, but the bottom line is to always treat others with respect and kindness.
MAKE AN IMPACT BEYOND THE BALLOT
Turns out one of the most effective ways to alleviate nerves? Getting out of the house and getting involved.
Just because you can't vote doesn't mean you can't spark change. In many states, teens can sign up to work the polls on Election Day (and even get paid!), which can be a fab learning experience (and looks great on your résumé).
Join protests, write an op-ed for your school's newspaper, encourage your crew to attend a meeting for the Democrats or Republicans club, volunteer to text potential voters for a campaign you believe in or apply for an internship at a think tank. All of these action items are effective antidotes to feeling powerless over the future.
Hannah S., 17, chose to phone bank. "I call people to engage them in the election or to explain issues that may impact them," she shares. "Not every call is a success, but when people do listen, I really feel like I'm making a difference."
And keep that involved energy even post-November 2024, because, friend reminder, presidential races aren't the only important ones out there.
According to The States Project, a group focusing on electoral politics beyond just the national level, supporting local campaigns (especially for candidates running in tight competitions) can go further to influence policy change that improves your daily life.
"State legislators have power over so many issues, from choice to education funding to voting rights to climate policy," says Melissa Walker, head of Giving Circles at The States Project. "Your local rep would love to have a young volunteer—or a three-to-four-friend volunteer crew!"
Ready to put those babysitting funds toward progress or spend your Saturday afternoon making a major difference?
Research the less-publicized races that are taking place closer to home. Donate a cut of your cash to a state-level candidate you believe in or grab your best gel marker and pen some postcards that will reach key voters (check out votefwd.org or centerforcommonground.org for info).
Because no matter who wins, life will go on after this election. And making an IRL commitment to the causes and politicians you believe in will help shape the future of our country to be one *you* want.
How are you getting involved in the 2024 election? Let us know on Instagram @girlslifemag!
Want to keep up with current events? Look no further…
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Hey girl, just wanted to let you know that this article originally ran in our October/November 2024 Issue. Want more? Read the print mag for free *today* when you click HERE.
Edited for web by Haley Kramer.
