NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Many people woke up this morning a little tired and a lot stressed, no matter who you wanted to win the presidency.

After an exhausting election season, mental health experts say this is a good time to evaluate your emotional stress.

“People will, like any anxiety disorder, magnify the negative, minimize any potential positive and then have this catastrophic view of what’s going to happen,” said EVMS Medical Group Psychiatrist Dr. David Spiegel.

The latest ‘Stress in America’ survey by the American Psychological Association revealed more than 7-in-10 adults worried the election results could lead to violence.
More than half believed the election could be the end of democracy.

A third said the political climate caused strain among family.

“I think since they identify with it so strongly to one poll, they don’t see that there are middle grounds that can work,” Spiegel said.

Spiegel’s advice is to stop scrolling and take a break from social media, focus on physical activity, healthy eating and getting good sleep. Also, try to have an open mind.

“The way we’re going to be content in life is if we try not to put ourselves at the extreme of any issue,” Spiegel said. “If we are willing to listen, you don’t have to agree.”

Meditation may work for some, while others may need medication.

Pay attention to how your feeing. If hopeless, constant worry, and insomnia, persist or get worse and/or if your work, school or social life diminishes, that’s a red flag signaling you should reach out to a doctor for help.

On the brighter side, the APA stress survey also found 3-in-5 adults reported feeling hopeful about the change the election could bring.