Post-election stress. It's real, and this year people may be feeling it more than ever.

Kenza Haddock, the clinical director of Oceanic Counseling Group in Myrtle Beach, says anxiety heightens in people on both sides when awaiting election results. Unfortunately, the longer the wait, the worse it can get.

"It impacts everyone as they're waiting for the results, especially now that (as of Wednesday morning) we still don't know what's going on," Haddock said.

Tack on the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, and Haddock says people might be feeling more stressed by this election cycle than any other before.

"We're adding the election to the pandemic," she said. "So people are already stressed out as it is, and add an election to that...that creates post-election stress."

If you find yourself feeling anxious, Haddock has some tips. For one, avoid political social media posts over the next few days.

"Be weary of social media triggers," she said. "You don't have to answer to every threat or every post, you have a choice as to whether or not to engage."

Also, when it comes to political conversations, don't be afraid to walk away.

"Know yourself and set boundaries around political conversations," Haddock said. "If you have friends or family members of an opposing political party and you know it's going to cause an argument, you can say 'Hey, I don't want to engage in this conversation.'"

Finally, Haddock says people should realize the outcome is now out of their control.

"At this point, if you've voted, there's nothing else that you can do to control the election," she said. "So channel your energy into something that is beneficial for you and the community."