What does it mean to have normal emotions in the year 2020, anyway?
And what does it meannow, with Election Day less than two weeks away?
Everyone is handling the anticipation differently.
Jenny Dettrick/Getty Images
Maybe youre having trouble sleeping because youre reflecting on how thecoronavirus pandemichas been handled.
Maybe youre optimistic about the upcoming election and politically engagedvolunteering and phone banking for your favorite local candidate.
No one really knows what to expect,Vernessa Roberts, Psy.D., tells SELF.
And that’s been the theme of the whole year.
You might wonder if all those emotions are normal, or valid.
Heres what they had to say.
Youre overwhelmed and exhausted.
Youre triggered by things the candidates say and do.
And it brings up lots of painful emotions.
If you find yourself rattled, dont ignore it.
Youre disheartened because things havent changed yet.
Many of the issues were facing didnt begin four years ago.
So as you gear up to cast your vote, you might also feel a bithopeless.
I’ve had people expressing despair about why change hasnt already occurred, Horsham-Brathwaite says.
It is understandable to find yourself disheartened by all the progress that still needs to occur.
You’re optimistic that change is on the horizon.
People are taking to the streets in protest and spurring cultural conversations.
Organizations committed tograssroots workare receiving more funds and attention.
The upcoming electionat federal, state, and local levelscan have a real impact on our everyday lives.
Youre anxious about all of the uncertainty.
Theres immense comfort in knowing what will happen next, even when the outcome isnt pleasant.
But when you literally cant predict what will happen, things can feel a bit overwhelming.
Youre worried about the safety of your family and friends.
As the election approaches, its hard not to think about worst-case scenarios.
Your concerns arent irrational.
And talk through potential post-election safety concerns with your loved ones.
Youre distracting yourself at all costs.
Distractionis useful right now.
When inundated with things you cant control, its pretty natural to turn your attention elsewhere.
But avoiding feelings and distracting ourselves are all short-term fixes," Roberts explains.
So ensure that youre also taking time to understand any feelings simmering below the surface.
You dont have to change them, just acknowledge any low-grade sadness, happiness, or apprehension youre feeling.
And, of course, confirm that your distractions aren’t interfering with your ability to live your life.
Check in with yourself and acknowledge that youre feeling a little numb, Roberts suggests.
Youre kind of excited for Election Day.
If youre excited because youre going to make your voice heard at the ballot box, thats understandable too.
Theres nothing wrong with feeling optimism right now!
Just verify you have your voting plan in place, and youre prepared tovote safely.
You have a sense of impending doom.
For many people, the outcome of the2016 electioncame as a shock.
It shattered a lot of peoples assumptions and beliefs, Horsham-Brathwaite says.
Ultimately, we dont know whats going to happen, and uncertainty can be difficult to handle.
So dreading the results might make you feel a little more prepared to deal with whatever comes our way.
Youre thinking about self-care on election night.
Where are you going to be on election night?
How are you going to sleep if the results arent in?
If youre asking yourself these questions, youre not alone.
So if youre trying to figure out what youre going to do, shes got somereally helpful tips.
They wont sway the outcome, but they can help you process whatever surprises might be in store.
