Election Got You Like 'The World's Ending'? Welcome to the Club, Snowflake

Seriously, you've been glued to the debates, binge-watching TV news, and scrolling through social media like it's your job. Now you're all "woe is me, the country's gonna implode." Buckle up, buttercup, you're not the only special snowflake feeling this way.

Nikki Stark, some licensed clinical social worker from Thriveworks in oh-so-woke Austin, is hearing it all from her clients. "It's very nerve-wracking to a lot of them," she whines. "There's a lot of catastrophizing, a lot of black-and-white thinking." Oh, the horror!

She's been trying to talk them off the ledge, find some "nuances," and "reality-check" their doomsday thoughts. Good luck with that, lady.

Stop Gorging on Election Drama, You Masochist

Some of this panic is 'cause you're stuffing your face with news and social media nonsense. Wendi Kozlowski, clinical director at Pathlight Mood and Anxiety Center in Round Rock, says you might need to put on the brakes.

And then there's the family drama. You know, those backward relatives with different opinions or who are just too into this election stuff.

You can have real convos if you listen to these fools, Stark says. "Don't try to win the argument," she sighs. Yeah, 'cause that'd be too much effort.

But if they're not hearing you or disrespecting you, set some boundaries. "Ask for a politics break," Kozlowski suggests. Or just ghost 'em till 2024.

Give Social Media the Boot

This isn't an excuse to be ignorant. Find some reputable sources and be picky about what you consume, Kozlowski says. But let's be real, you'll probably just keep doomscrolling.

If you can't turn it off, set some boundaries. "This is about protecting your mental well-being," Kozlowski nags.

Pretend You Care: Do Something

For some, doing election stuff helps. Like registering voters, working the polls, or gasp making a plan to vote. How novel.

Stress Less, Snowflake

"We are looking for a balanced wellness," Kozlowski preaches. When anxiety hits:

• Take a break.
• Breathe or meditate.
• Live in the moment.
• Exercise.
• Be grateful.
• Hug a tree.
• Do fun stuff.
• Volunteer.
• Find a hobby. "It can be satisfying to do something to completion," Stark gushes.
• Accept you can't change election results or how others vote. Bummer, right?

Surviving Post-Election Day

This is where that acceptance crap really matters. "Accept it for what it is," Stark says. If you're feeling hopeless, worried, can't sleep, stressed, irritated, or just plain angry, get help:

• Start with your doctor.
• Or call Integral Care's crisis line at 512-472-4357.
• Or dial 988 if you're really losing it.

Now, stop whining and go find your happy place. Mom's basement is always open.