Presidential Elections: A Source of Stress and Anxiety
Presidential elections can cause a significant increase in stress and anxiety among people. In this context, the insights of mental health experts like Giselle Bonilla are vital for understanding this phenomenon better and learning how to manage it effectively.
Interview with Giselle Bonilla: Expert in Holistic Wellbeing and Mental Health
Giselle Bonilla is a renowned holistic therapist and one of the co-founders and Clinical Director of Time Of Butterflies.
Additionally, she is the founder and CEO of the Bonilla Center, a nonprofit organization in the Dominican Republic.
This organization provides mental health services with a holistic approach to the communities of Bonao and beyond.
With a private online practice through Holistic Wellbeing Counseling, Giselle integrates her familial, cultural, and ancestral wisdom and experiences into her therapeutic approach. She firmly believes in the interconnection of the mind, body, and spirit for healing.
Could you explain how presidential elections can generate stress and anxiety in people?
Presidential elections can generate stress and anxiety in people for multiple reasons.
One of the main causes is participating in political conversations with family and friends that could lead to conflict, along with the feeling of not being heard and valued during this time.
This dynamic can lead to dysregulation of the nervous system, placing people in a state of fight, flight, or freeze.
This situation makes it difficult for many to regulate their feelings and emotions. Moreover, deciding who to vote for automatically generates stress and anxiety for many.
Which population groups are more vulnerable to stress related to presidential elections and politics, and why?
The most vulnerable groups include:
- LGBTQ+ individuals,
- Incarcerated people and their families,
- Migrant workers,
- People with chronic mental health disorders,
- Homeless individuals, among others.
These populations face significant stress related to government policies, as these can negatively impact their autonomy and sense of security within their communities.
What strategies do you recommend for limiting exposure to presidential election and political content and reducing anxiety?
I recommend several strategies to limit exposure to political content and reduce anxiety. These include:
- Limiting political conversations,
- Reaffirming personal boundaries with those who have different viewpoints,
- Limiting time spent watching news and on social media,
- Focusing on practicing skills that help regulate the nervous system.
This may include activities like yoga, walking, spending time with family and friends who promote well-being, sound therapy, physical exercise, a healthy diet, meditation, and other practices that work on a personal level.
To delve deeper into the topic and gain more valuable insights from Giselle Bonilla on how presidential elections can affect our mental health, we invite you to watch the full video of the interview. In it, Giselle elaborates on her ideas, shares practical strategies for managing political stress, and offers advice from her holistic approach to well being.
Therefore, her experience and knowledge can be of great help to those looking to understand and address the emotional and mental challenges that arise during election periods.
Presidential elections and political stress can have a significant impact on people’s mental health. Giselle Bonilla’s perspective, based on a holistic approach to wellbeing, offers valuable guidance on how to manage these challenges.
By applying her strategies, it is possible to limit exposure to stressors and promote better emotional regulation. In this way, we can strengthen our mental health during politically charged times.
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