Does this election year stoke your anxiety? So many people I see discuss their powerlessness and sense of hopelessness as they consider the future of the country. Did you know that it’s normal to worry about things that seem uncertain? It is adaptive behavior because we are wired to appraise whether or not a situation is potentially harmful to us. It is our natural defense mechanisms kicking in. However, sometimes this natural tendency can move into rumination and possibly pathological anxiety. Certainly talking about this with someone who is trained to help you self regulate is helpful. I teach clients frequently how to identify the common thinking distortions that keep them on the proverbial gerbil wheel in the head. Learning to exercise spiritual practices also are very beneficial. Some people have utilized spiritual readings and quotes to help mitigate their anxiety. Developing a realistic appraisal of an event is critical in managing your anxiety.
