Handling election-related stress in a healthy way

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — 21-year-old Augustana University senior Evenunye Ogouleye is among the many voters feeling uneasy.

“I’m feeling a lot of anxiety about this election, mostly because there’s a lot of differing opinions,” said Ogouleye, who is planning to eventually attend medical school.

But, as psychiatrist Dr. David Ermer points out, this isn’t at all out of the ordinary.

“I think it’s fairly common any given election because you’re dealing with uncertainty, which increases anyone’s anxiety,” Ermer said. “You’re dealing with change.”

If you’re feeling anxious, Ermer says to remember self-care, including getting rest and eating well. Plus, you can always take a break.

BREAKING: Guilty Verdict reached for prison inmates in attempted murder case

“There’s a lot of information being thrown at us, and sometimes it can become overwhelming, and taking a break from that information and maybe going to exercise, spending time with friends,” Ermer said.

Ogouleye says that when she feels anxiety about the election, she knows she can turn to her social circle.

“I talk to some friends, and we all kind of, like, all have different opinions, try to get together and figure out what we want most since we are the next generation. We’re going to be here with most of the laws that they make and most of the rules that they make,” Ogouleye said. “So we need to make sure that the choices that we make are the best for all of us.”