Columbia, S.C. (WACH) — As the nation nears election day, voters are feeling the weight of it all. According to the American Psychological Association, 77% of adultssaid the future of the nation causes a significant amount of stress, a feeling echoed by voters in Richland County.
Some of the people who came out to vote early Wednesday morning in Richland County said they’d also experienced some anxiety. “A little bit of anxiety is good, it keeps us on our toes a little bit,” said one voter Andrew Hutchens. “I firmly believe no matter what happens we will probably get through it.” A young pair who came to vote said they were worried about the process of voting. “I was a little weary about coming today because I didn’t want to stand in a line forever, but if you want your vote to matter then you will stand for however long,” said another voter Kiavanna Jackson.
Feelings that democracy’s future is at stake are leading voters to seek ways to cope with the stressful emotions.Benedict College’s Director of Counseling and Self Development Tanya Bolton offered tips on how to do that. Bolton shared that the key to alleviating the stress is controlling what you can. “If you can learn to relax your muscles stress in itself can find ways to dissipate,” said Bolton. She said activities like walking, stretching, or yoga are all things that could help. Bolton explained that other things needed to be limited as well. “I would say to limit some of your coverage, your media coverage,” said Bolton.
Early voters are finding their way to alleviate the stress and some say it’s just by getting out and taking a stand. “I feel like doing something is better than nothing and some have opinions, but they aren’t doing anything about it,” said one man who stood in line to vote Wednesday morning, Kalah Fishburne. Jackson who was voted alongside him said the key is being educated about the election with facts and not gossip. “Stay off of social media when trying to decide who you want your president to be and look up the facts,” advised Jackson.
