Every four years in the United States, we get ready for a major presidential election, and with that comes the onslaught of some very vigorous campaigning - some of it negative, much of it repetitive. Not to mention all the other different political elections we have (Governor, Mayor, Town Officials) in between those major elections.

So for many people across the country, election time can become a depressing time of year for several reasons:

1. Some people are uncomfortable with change and do not want to see the current administration leave office.

2. Some people can get really down about all the negative ads and statements about their candidate or just in general of all the candidates.

3. Others become overwhelmed with the decision of making the right choice.

4. Elections can divide family members or co-workers - causing stress.

5. People can become really tired of the constant focus on the election in media coverage, late-night shows, even in churches and schools. They feel inundated with it.

The Election Detox Solution
The quick-fix solution for the election-blues is to redirect your energy in other places. Let's detox!

- Turn off the television and get back into reading books.

- Purposefully choose not to discuss politics with co-workers and family members. If you have to - excuse yourself from the room and take a long time in the bathroom!

- Make the decision to limit your exposure to candidates' speeches or philosophies. Maybe you watch one town-hall meeting a week. Or you read one political newspaper story a week--try the Sunday paper.

- Get your information from reputable sources, avoiding much of the rumors and trash-talking of media sources solely after ratings or sales.

- Be a part of the process, and don't run from it. Go out and vote when it's time and trust that you have made the right decision based on your beliefs. Don't explain your vote to anyone. And accept that change is coming and that change is good - no matter what the results are of the election.

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Lisa Angelettie MSW, "GirlShrink" is a psychotherapist, author, and online advice authority. Her site GirlShrink.com is the #1 "Advice & Counseling" site on the web. Please visit us for more discussion on this topic in the depression forum to talk about it further. Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter for topics in the news, new articles, website & book reviews, and other useful depression resources. Subscribe below.