MENTAL HEALTH DURING ELECTION SEASON

With a little more weeks to go to the presidential elections, stress and mental anxiety surrounding Uganda politics accelerates every day. This election period exposes a large number of Ugandans across all ages and gender to significant stress in their lives, anxiety and depression and this is because mental health affects how we think, feel and act.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF MENTAL DISORDER DURING ELECTION SEASON

1. Getting less sleep.
2. Having trouble falling or staying asleep.
3. Increased irritability.
4. Increased general anxiety.
5. Physical indications like headache, stomach pain,and body aches.

WAYS OF MANAGING MENTAL DISORDERS DURING ELECTION SEASON

a) Being mindful of the effects that news alerts, political articles and social media surfing have on your level of stress. Ask your self whether the level of engagement is helpful or harmful, and take concrete steps to reduce your exposure if needed.

b) Turn anger and anxiety into constructive action. Support the changes you would like to see by donating to organisations you value. Volunteering as an advocate, or educating your self about issues that matter to you.

c) Identifying”coping buddies” for campaigning nights and consider not just focusing on the election. Plan other activities like playing games online together, watching series, making new recipes or watching some movie.

d) Connect with loved ones (off social media), this is one of the best ways to counteract long-term stress and anxiety. This can be done through reaching out to friends and loved ones during your anxious time.
The aforementioned ideas can greatly reduce the rising mental health issues during this election period.

MUNYOKOLI EMMANUEL
Permanent Member At The Youth Baraza