In this episode, your hosts Dr. Liz McIngvale and Cali Werner dive into the intense feelings of political anxiety that often surface during election times. They explore how political beliefs, personal experiences, and the divisive nature of politics impact mental health, especially when the political climate feels overwhelming. Through personal stories and professional insights, the episode offers practical strategies for managing anxiety without being consumed by the turmoil, focusing on setting boundaries, riding the wave of anxiety, and living in alignment with your values.

Key Points:

[0:01] - Intro to Political Anxiety

The hosts introduce the theme of political anxiety, discussing how election seasons can heighten stress levels for many Americans.

[2:07] - Developing Your Own Political Views

A personal story about navigating the process of forming individual political beliefs, different from family or friends, and the challenge of balancing relationships with diverse political perspectives.

[5:12] - The Role of Empathy in Political Conversations

Emphasizing the importance of empathy, the hosts discuss how shame and judgment hinder productive dialogue and suggest approaching conversations with the intent to learn rather than to convince.

[12:50] - Media and Political Characters

Frustration with the discrepancy between politicians' public personas and private behaviors, emphasizing the difficulty in knowing who to trust and how this contributes to anxiety.

[17:02] - Boundary Setting in Political Conversations

Practical advice on setting boundaries with friends or family who have opposing political views, to maintain relationships and mental health during heated times.

[21:50] - Coping with Political Outcomes

How to manage the aftermath of an election when the result isn't what you hoped for, focusing on staying grounded in daily life and not letting anxiety dictate your actions.

Quotable Moments:

[4:25] "When we get stuck in this, I better say this to appeal to these friends... I'm not speaking in my values-based way."

– Cali Werner

[13:00] "Sometimes I feel like, why can't we all just be who we are? It feels like an act, and that makes me anxious and pissed."

– Dr. Liz McIngvale

[30:07] "Political anxiety is no different than other anxiety. You either contribute to it and make it bigger, or you can change it by the way you behave."

– Dr. Liz McIngvale

Links Mentioned:

Anxiety Society Podcast: http://www.anxietysocietypodcast.com

Instagram: @theanxietysocietypod : https://www.instagram.com/theanxietysocietypod

As election season ramps up, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by political anxiety, but you don't have to let it control your life. By setting healthy boundaries, focusing on your values, and practicing self-care, you can manage the anxiety that comes with the season. Remember, the goal isn’t to eliminate anxiety but to navigate through it. If you found this episode helpful, share it with a friend who might need it, and don't forget to rate and review!

Mentioned in this episode:

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