SHAW Resources for Election-Related Stress

Oct 30, 2020

As the election season reaches its fevered pitch, we at SHAW are aware of the distress and anxiety this on-going contentiousness has caused many members of our campus community. It has laid bare many of the divisions and disappointments that drive us apart while overlooking many of the things that bring us together. For many, an election of this magnitude is no less than a referendum on whether they can feel safe and valued, two basic human needs.

We at SHAW want to be clear that we value all diversity and are committed to the safety of all our campus members. We can only truly hear each other and overcome our differences when we feel valued and safe, emotionally and otherwise.

Election-Related Workshops

All students in any location can join for virtual workshops via the Zoom links below. These workshops will provide current students with post-election coping skills.

Added Drop-In Appointments

For students in Iowa, SHAW providers will be available for virtual drop-in appointments. Call 641-269-3230 to schedule a time. Providers are available 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m. CST for the next few weeks (normally 9 a.m.-4 p.m.).

What you can do to take care of yourself

If you find that you’re experiencing election-related distress that is negatively impacting your regular daily functioning, we would like to connect with you. You are not alone.

SHAW is available by phone at 641-269-3230. Office hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday–Friday. If the office is closed, you may follow the prompts to leave a voicemail, connect with an on-call nurse, or connect with an on-call counselor. Need to talk? Counseling Hotline is available 24/7 to currently enrolled Grinnell College students who are in the United States at 641-269-4404.

Please feel free to utilize this Election Stress Kit (PDF) adapted from Penn State Harrisburg.

Also, the American Psychological Association provides evidence-based advice to help people manage their stress related to the election.