# How are you dealing w/ pre-election stress? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [September 1, 2020, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-you-dealing-w-pre-election-stress/919533 "2020-09-01T16:21:14Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Dinsdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/97f17d/32.png) [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2020, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-you-dealing-w-pre-election-stress/919533/1 "2020-09-01T16:21:14Z")
Just recently, I noticed my stress level had increased over the possibility of Trump being re-elected. I had come back from a vacation during which I was blissfully out of touch, but the continuing unrest, and possible Trumpward movement in the polls made me worry about this more and more. Just wondering if others felt this way and, if so, how you were dealing w/ it. To the extent I can recall previous elections, I feel a pressure to check here and other on-line sites such as 538/RCP. But, of course, no matter how often you check them, that doesn’t provide certainty. And, to the contrary, I think I previously assumed a position of false security after interpreting what info i read favorably to my desires. Damn, these are going to be a tough couple of months… Looks like I picked the wrong time to stop drinking! 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2020, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-you-dealing-w-pre-election-stress/919533/2 "2020-09-01T16:33:33Z")
Yeah, I’m drinking a lot. And trying to avoid cable news of any kind. I get about 10 emails a day seeking donations to worthy Democrats. Like many, I was overconfident in 2016. Now I’m not confident at all, no matter how good the polls look. I’m hopeful, but not confident. I’m still angry at the deplorables, but I have noticed more and more are saying “not this time.” ---
**Author:** ![Esprise\_Me](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/esprise_me/32/2947_2.png) [@Esprise\_Me](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Esprise_Me)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2020, 4:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-you-dealing-w-pre-election-stress/919533/3 "2020-09-01T16:36:26Z")
I’m really struggling. I’m doing what I can–donating, volunteering, etc.-- but otherwise trying to avoid the bad news as much as possible. ---
**Author:** ![Dinsdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/97f17d/32.png) [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2020, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-you-dealing-w-pre-election-stress/919533/4 "2020-09-01T16:48:16Z")
Yeah, I keep telling myself to avoid the news and discussions - but like the COVID stuff, it is just constantly present in the back of my mind. Even tho I KNOW there are no good answers, my mind feels like it is flailing around hoping for some. It was REALLY nice to be in the middle of nowhere for 7 days on Aug, w/o any news/radio/TV, internet. Was quite jarring to come back to civilization - and find things just as fucked up as when we had left (if not moreso). Heading back up for another week this month - but that will still leave a month and a half until the elections… ---
**Author:** ![Si\_Amigo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/si_amigo/32/2877_2.png) [@Si\_Amigo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Si_Amigo)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2020, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-you-dealing-w-pre-election-stress/919533/5 "2020-09-01T17:40:36Z")
This is me as well. And then some dip ship right-wing leaning teenager borrows a gun, shoots 3 people (killing two), calls a friend after shooting the first one and walks by multiple police officers carrying the gun he just shot people with just minutes before and goes home to bed. Much more drinking to follow. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [September 2, 2020, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-you-dealing-w-pre-election-stress/919533/6 "2020-09-02T16:39:19Z")
> [@Procrustus](#): > > Yeah, I’m drinking a lot. I’ve been drinking and vaping more than usual, which was already quite a bit. Can’t remember my last hangover, though. ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [September 2, 2020, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-you-dealing-w-pre-election-stress/919533/7 "2020-09-02T18:41:25Z")
Stressing myself out further by coming to the realization that a Biden/Harris win might do a lot to change the path the US Government is on, but socially things will be as bad or worse if Trump loses. People will lose their minds. I think there’s going to be years and years of ridiculousness until, really, a generation of people dies. ---
**Author:** ![Velocity](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/velocity/32/18006_2.png) [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Post date:** [September 2, 2020, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-you-dealing-w-pre-election-stress/919533/8 "2020-09-02T18:47:40Z")
As a third party voter, I’m relatively chill with the outcome either way. I do find the intensity very wearying, though. ---
**Author:** ![Dinsdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/97f17d/32.png) [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Post date:** [September 2, 2020, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-you-dealing-w-pre-election-stress/919533/9 "2020-09-02T19:18:16Z")
> [@Velocity](#): > > s a third party voter, I’m relatively chill with the outcome either way. I find that hard to comprehend. Whatever your 3d party, you do not think your values would be affected differently depending on the outcome? ---
**Author:** ![octopus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/octopus/32/3716_2.png) [@octopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/octopus)\ **Post date:** [September 2, 2020, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-you-dealing-w-pre-election-stress/919533/10 "2020-09-02T20:48:24Z")
Elections don’t stress me. Covid does. But while I might not be thrilled at who wins what politically in a democracy one has to be ok with the fact that one doesn’t always get one’s preferred outcome. Now I will be worried and stressed if the political violence continues to spread. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [September 2, 2020, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-you-dealing-w-pre-election-stress/919533/11 "2020-09-02T20:59:21Z")
I’m putting an irrational amount of faith in the American voter to do the right thing. Because otherwise, hopelessness would overwhelm me. We’re also donating lots of money to campaigns, and writing get-out-the-vote letters and postcards to swing state voters. I think we’re up to 600 letters at this point. Lists are provided by Vote Forward: [https://votefwd.org/](https://votefwd.org/) ---
**Author:** ![Dinsdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/97f17d/32.png) [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Post date:** [September 2, 2020, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-you-dealing-w-pre-election-stress/919533/12 "2020-09-02T21:29:59Z")
> [@Chefguy](#): > > I’m putting an irrational amount of faith in the American voter to do the right thing. … Yeah - my problem is that I fear the exact opposite - w/ tons of folk not admitting to pollsters how racist and misogynistic they are when the actually vote. Added to the folk who are so stupid that they think the shitshow is entertaining… ---
**Author:** ![Leaper](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/4bbf92/32.png) [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2020, 5:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-you-dealing-w-pre-election-stress/919533/13 "2020-09-03T05:26:14Z")
By working during the week and looking forward to the weekend. It hasn’t been working too badly in general so far. ---
**Author:** ![scabpicker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scabpicker/32/8268_2.png) [@scabpicker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scabpicker)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2020, 5:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-you-dealing-w-pre-election-stress/919533/14 "2020-09-03T05:58:47Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > I’ve been drinking and vaping more than usual, which was already quite a bit. Can’t remember my last hangover, though. Yep, it’s the liquor and drugs or just immersing myself in my work until I forget the liquor and drugs for awhile that I use to deal with the stress. I don’t recommend it, but since this year ends in a number, it’s what I’m probably gonna do. ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2020, 1:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-you-dealing-w-pre-election-stress/919533/15 "2020-09-03T13:05:08Z")
I plan on dramatically reducing my politics and social outrage consumption. Pelosi and her fucking blow-out is partially responsible for that. I know it’s a minor thing and I expect the usual suspects will be along to shout about how irrelevant it is. But because it was so stupid, it could have so easily been avoided. If she can’t be arsed to take all this more seriously in this of all circumstances, why should the rest of us take her seriously anymore? Am I overreacting? Maybe. But fuck you, Nancy! Be a fucking leader, FFS. And 31% of Latin-X are supporting El Chumpo? JFC! See?? I need to step away until this is all over. ---
**Author:** ![Hari\_Seldon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hari_seldon/32/5173_2.png) [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2020, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-you-dealing-w-pre-election-stress/919533/16 "2020-09-04T19:52:02Z")
This is more IMHO stuff than directly related to the election. I will attempt to move it. Finally succeeded! ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2020, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-you-dealing-w-pre-election-stress/919533/17 "2020-09-04T19:58:08Z")
> [@Hari\_Seldon](#): > > I will attempt to move it. Good luck everybody. ---
**Author:** ![BigAppleBucky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigapplebucky/32/178_2.png) [@BigAppleBucky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigAppleBucky)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2020, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-you-dealing-w-pre-election-stress/919533/18 "2020-09-04T20:12:18Z")
Watched this YouTube video from 2015 today. So refreshing. [Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee: "Just Tell Him You’re The President” (Season 7, Episode 1)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UM-Q_zpuJGU&t=23s) President Obama driving Jerry Seinfeld in his 1963 'Vett. Presidents can have a sense of humor and can enjoy chatting with other. Some of the best lines from Obama: I could call a nuclear submarine right here You have to use the non-Presidential garbage He’s going coming through bushes looking through the window harry don’t shoot him he’s funny. My poll numbers would go down if you shot Jerry Seinfeld. ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2020, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-you-dealing-w-pre-election-stress/919533/19 "2020-09-04T21:58:16Z")
I quit watching the news a while ago. Just tune into a local station for weather, then off it goes. Anything of note happen lately? ---
**Author:** ![jtur88](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e9c0ed/32.png) [@jtur88](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jtur88)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2020, 5:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-you-dealing-w-pre-election-stress/919533/20 "2020-09-05T05:25:31Z")
It’s no longer the old liberals and conservatives I grew up with. Now, it;s libertarians against antifa, and I cannot predict which is a greater threat. I kinda take solace in the promise of another term of Trump’r relatively harmless self-aggrandizement, free of any meaningful political agenda. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-you-dealing-w-pre-election-stress/919533.md?page=2)