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Mental Health Monday: Coping with Election Day nerves

The election is something many people are talking about. It can be anxiety inducing for some voters.

MACON, Ga. — Democrats, Republicans, Independents and everyone in-between are talking about one thing this month: the election.

"I try to do my part. I try to vote for my community, for my country obviously," Aniyah Pearce said.

Pearce is a Macon native, and the upcoming elections have her feeling uneasy.

"Anxious. (I'm) anxious about the upcoming elections honestly," she said.

She's not alone. As we get closer to November 8, warnings of violence because of election tensions are front of mind for some people.

Earlier in November, Nancy Pelosi's' husband was attacked at their San Francisco home. The home invader beat Paul Pelosi with a hammer, leaving him seriously injured. Investigators are still determining if the attack was politically motivated.

"Sometimes it can be kind of overwhelming because we can't control the election. We can do our part, but not control it. So focus on what you can," therapist Madison Norris said. 

Norris is a licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist at the Family Counseling Center of Central Georgia. She says there's one place in particular that can really stir the pot and your anxiety around election season.

"Also social media is a big thing that can be very easily overwhelming so take breaks if you feel like its becoming to much," she said.

She also said acknowledge your emotions, and if the vote doesn't go the way you want...

"Try to accept what has happened, because once we accept we can move forward into what we can do next time," Norris said.

As for Pearce, she believes people should come together more, and at least try to understand their view even if you don't agree.

"It should be a joint effort. Even if we don't share the same opinions we should just stop for a minute and just listen to what other people have to say," she said.

Whether its campaigning more in the future, or encouraging more people to vote-- Norris says the results could give you a learning experience for what you can do next time. 

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