This article was originally published on October 14, 2020 and updated September 20, 2024. Regardless of your personal political views, there’s one thing everyone can agree on: this election season has been hard. On top of the stress so many people are feeling about personal finances, the economy and global conflict, the upcoming election is causing anxiety across the country. In fact, it can even lead to symptoms that some mental health professionals have coined “Election Stress Disorder.” While this phenomenon may not be included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM ), it is a recognized and documented experience characterized by lack of focus, depressive symptoms, increased anxiety and exhaustion. So, if the nearing election is giving you panic and stress, you’re not alone. Regardless of which candidates you support and your reasons for doing so, it feels like a lot is riding on this election. While the stakes may feel particularly high in 2024, election anxiety is not new. In fact, in 2016, about 52% of people surveyed described the election cycle as being a significant source of stress. By November 2019, that percentage had already increased to 56%. So, what can you do to try to manage election-related stress? Below are some anxiety relief techniques that have worked for some in past elections and could help you now....

Suicide Safety Plan: What It Is, Who Needs It, and Expert Insights Suicide, which remains one of the leading causes of death in the United States, is a crisis that touches millions of lives each year. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2021 alone, 48,000 people—nearly twice the capacity of Madison Square Garden—died by suicide. In the same year, 12.3 million adults seriously considered suicide, 3.5 million made a plan to carry out suicide, and 1.7 million attempted to end their lives. Despite accounting for 50% of the population, men account for nearly 80% of suicides. The elderly, especially those aged 85 and older, have the highest suicide rates, followed by those between the ages of 75 and 84. Amid these grim statistics, suicide prevention efforts have proven to be effective, with significant breakthroughs emerging in recent years. In 2022, a major step was taken towards suicide prevention when the national suicide helpline phone number was shortened to 988. This made a significant impact, but more can be done in suicide prevention by emphasizing the importance of a suicide safety plan. We asked three LifeStance mental health care experts Jillian Bace, LCSW, Dr. Melissa Cobbs, PhD, LCMHCS, LCAS, CCS, and Corinne Melling, LMFT to explain the purpose of a suicide safety plan for s...

If you live with Panic Disorder or any other Anxiety Disorder, the fear of a panic attack may worsen your symptoms. One of the best ways to ease that Anxiety is to prepare for a possible panic attack and have a plan. But what if you forget your plan when the time comes? If you’ve ever had a panic attack, you know: no matter how many times you’ve talked through it with your therapist, it’s hard to recall calming techniques when your mind is racing. That’s where your panic attack checklist comes in. Print or write out a list of the things you can do if you feel a panic attack coming and keep the list with you at all times. It may seem small now, but it can change everything if you need it. Step 1: Take Inventory of Your Mental Health Toolbox Use your answers to the following questions to think of resources you can access if you have a panic attack. You may notice that you’re missing resources in some areas—that’s okay. Take this opportunity to bulk up your mental health toolbox: Do I have emergency anxiety medication? If so, always store it in the same place. If not, consider talking to a psychiatrist about it. Who can I call if...

Anxiety isn’t just about how we feel emotionally. It’s a comprehensive response that can affect our bodies in ways we might not readily associate with feeling anxious. In many instances, people experience physical symptoms of Anxiety without attributing them to state of their Mental Health. It’s crucial we learn how to identify the physical responses to mental or emotional stimuli so that we can find ways to soothe our Anxiety and become the best version of ourselves. Many people ask, “What does anxiety feel like physically?” The answers might surprise you. Which Types of Anxiety Cause Physical Symptoms? Anxiety is a natural and occasional response to life’s challenges. For some, however, Anxiety can become persistent, affecting daily life. Anxiety isn’t just an emotional experience; it often presents with physical symptoms, which can occur even when one isn’t feeling overtly anxious. Understanding the root cause of your Anxiety can provide clarity. Additionally, identifying specific types of Anxiety we experience can shed light on the physical symptoms we feel in the moment, getting us closer to a resol...

This content has been updated from previous article on May 5, 2020. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric condition that affects approximately 3.5% of adults in the United States. Though commonly linked to combat veterans, this disorder can affect anyone who has survived or witnessed a traumatic event. These could range from surviving natural disasters, violent acts such as domestic violence, sexual assault or rape, accidents, sudden loss of loved one, childhood trauma, etc. In general, PTSD causes people to have intense thoughts and feelings related to a traumatic event long after the event ends. These thoughts and feelings can manifest as many different symptoms, which vary from person to person. Though each person with PTSD is unique, there is one common thread that unites all cases: the disorder severely impacts daily life. PTSD can have a profound impact on daily life, influencing thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. The effects of PTSD can manifest in various ways, making even the simplest tasks challenging for those affected. Many relive or re-experience the traumatic event itself via flashbacks/nightmares, some develop emotional numbness and avoidance to the people, places, or situations that remind the individual of the traumatic event, and others experience negative thoughts and mood with abundance of guilt and blame related to...

Social Anxiety goes deeper than simply feeling a bit shy at a party. It’s a complex condition that affects many people in varied ways. Discussing this condition comes at a time when more people find social interaction more difficult after the COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s an exploration of Social Anxiety, breaking down what it is and the different ways it might manifest. What Is Social Anxiety? Social Anxiety is a chronic Mental Health condition characterized by an intense, persistent fear of being observed and judged in social situations. Unlike occasional nerves or insecurity, this fear can disrupt daily life and even routine interactions, such as talking to a cashier or eating with others. People with Social Anxiety may recognize that their fears are excessive but find overcoming them extremely challenging. Social Anxiety may show up for people in different ways, and it may not look the same for everyone. Some may experience a generalized form of this disorder, fearing most or all social interactions, while others might struggle with specific social phobias, like speaking in public or eating in front of others. The r...

Panic attacks can be a frightening and overwhelming experience for those who suffer from them, and if you have a friend or loved one dealing with panic attacks, knowing how to help them can make a world of difference. Panic Attack 5 Step Emergency Guide If your loved one is in the middle of a panic attack now, stay as calm as possible and take the following five steps: Ensure their physical safety Speak calmly and say reassuring things Ask if they have prescription medication for panic disorder Try clinically proven therapeutic techniques Avoid taking specific actions that can worsen the symptoms If the person knows what panic attacks feel like and insist this is different, call 9-1-1. Panic attack symptoms can look very similar to heart attack symptoms. If someone is having a panic attack and they want to be alone, honor their wishes as much as possible. Offer to go to the next room or stay on the phone until you know they are safe. Understanding how to carry out these steps can help you, and your loved one get through this tough time safely and prepare for any panic attacks in the future. In this guide, we will discuss fiv...