An engaged and informed population is essential to a healthy democracy. But as Election Day approaches, the intense focus on political issues and outcomes can lead to high levels of stress and anxiety, including postelection stress disorder.
To help, Randi Smith, Ph.D., Psychology professor at Metropolitan State University of Denver, suggests putting the election into historical perspective. “I’m not trying to minimize this election’s significance,” she said. “But let’s remember that many of the most dire predictions (for example, that we’ll lose our democracy) are designed to mobilize the vote. Catastrophizing is a common cognitive error — put simply, our brains are good at imagining worst-case scenarios. But we should remind ourselves that the world will not necessarily crumble if our preferred candidate doesn’t win.”
Smith shared additional self-care tips for maintaining mental health before and after Election Day in a recent RED article.
Meanwhile, the University is offering a number of mental-health and other pre- and postelection resources and events to students and employees.
Events:
Mindfulness Practice and the 2024 Election
Nov. 4
Noon-1 p.m.
Central Classroom 116
Post-Election Day Peace Space for Faculty and Staff
Nov. 6
8-11 a.m.
Tivoli 440/540
Post-Election Day Peace Space for Students, Faculty and Staff
Nov. 6
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Tivoli 320
Nov. 7
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Tivoli 444
Circle Up and Check In With the Restorative Justice Coalition
Nov. 14
3:30-5 p.m.
JSSB 200
Need support during election season?
Students:
Counseling Center: The center will be staffed with more clinicians this week to provide students with fast walk-in access to mental-health resources. Call and schedule a time at 303-615-9988 or drop by Tivoli 651 from 8-11:45 a.m. and 12:45-4:45 p.m. to connect with a clinician without an appointment.
Student Care Center: Case managers are available to help students work through:
- Difficult life circumstance or health issue
- Thoughts of harm to self or others
- Significant loss such as the death of a family member
- Harassment, stalking, interpersonal violence or sexual assault
Located in Tivoli 311, the Care Center is open for in-person walk-ins and appointments.
Student Conflict Resolution Services: Access programs and services to support students experiencing conflict in individual and group settings and through skill-building and facilitation support. Virtual, phone and in-person options available.
Employees:
Colorado State Employee Assistance Program: Free resource for state employees to request mental-health counseling, leader consultation, critical-incident response, mediation or webinar and facilitation services.
Supervisors:
Post-election Manager Toolkit
Tips and resources to help supervisors support their teams.
