Since the recent election, mental well-being has taken center stage for many Americans. With heightened emotions around political events, countless individuals find themselves grappling with various stressors. From anxiety over election outcomes to feelings of deep grief for lost hopes, it's been a rollercoaster for the nation.
Organizations like Newhaven Counseling and Health Services have stepped up to address the psychological challenges people face following such significant political events. The licensed associate counselor, Janet Taylor, highlights the importance of focusing on what individuals can control. She suggests avoiding negative spirals by taking breaks from news and engaging with hobbies, exercise, or spending quality time with friends and family.
“If you’re feeling hopeless or fearful for your safety, particularly as a minority resident, those feelings are valid,” Taylor emphasizes. She advocates for reaching out to trusted friends or professionals to process these complex emotions and reminds us all of the strength found in community. "It's powerful to share your experiences with supportive people,” she adds.
These sentiments echo the findings of the American Psychological Association, which revealed nearly 80% of both Republicans and Democrats expressed politics as one of their main sources of stress. Instability around the election results led many to feel even more anxious about the country's future.
Phoebe Moore, from UMass Chan Medical School, notes the emotional weight of this election day, mentioning the close ties many individuals feel with their political ideologies. This emotional link often results in significant stress, amplifying reactions when the outcomes don’t align with personal beliefs.
“We should all recognize the gravity of this election,” Moore states. “Having strong feelings about these results is normal and completely human.”
Not everyone, of course, experienced disappointment. A significant portion of the population reported feeling hopeful before the election. Nonetheless, the underlying stress of change and uncertainty skewed the emotional balance for many. The post-election reality can lead to difficult family dynamics as well, especially during gatherings like Thanksgiving, where political conversations may become contentious.
Moore suggests setting clear boundaries during familial gatherings. “It’s okay to claim personal space,” she advises, emphasizing the importance of maintaining one’s own mental health alongside interactions with others.
But how can people cope with these intense feelings? Taylor suggests concrete actions: seeking therapy for anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts—advising everyone to recognize these feelings as signals indicating the need for help. “Many people don’t realize talking about their distress brings them relief,” she asserts.
Practices like mindfulness and meditation are gaining popularity as effective means of coping. The UMass Memorial Center for Mindfulness offers free weekly sessions aimed at supporting individuals through stressful moments—a clear response to the growing mental health needs of the community.
“Taking care of yourself is imperative,” Moore reiterates, noting how exercise can significantly impact mood swings and overall mental health. Regular physical activity combined with mindfulness practices can lead to more balanced emotional states, enabling clearer thinking through difficult circumstances.
On the flip side, grief stemming from electoral outcomes can resemble mourning the loss of something deeply personal. Dr. Hendry Ton, speaking on the nature of grief, states, “Grief encompasses a sense of loss of what one had hoped for the future. It's about recognizing the investment one placed not just on the outcome but the efforts made toward achieving it.”
This emotional turmoil tends to echo throughout various communities, emphasizing the need for connection among those feeling isolated by their grief. Grieving over political outcomes is nuanced—it’s not just about who won or lost, but the dreams and ideals interwoven with those results.
Electoral disappointment could invoke broader societal fears, such as the potential impacts on healthcare, climate change policies, and the rights of diverse communities. These fears ensnare individuals deeply invested not just politically but personally, leading to elevated feelings of isolation or helplessness.
Many Americans express feelings of inadequacy after elections, questioning their previous actions, their influence on the outcome, and if their efforts fell short. Moore, again, points to the community's role during these moments of self-doubt: reaching out can help cut through feelings of isolation.
“While it is completely natural to flounder after such intense emotions, it’s also important to seek help and share your grief with others. Even simple conversations can heal,” she encourages.
Looking toward the future, the strategies for managing one's mental health post-election appear straightforward yet powerful. Taylor insists on the value of talking openly about mental health issues and emphasizes the need for outreach, both for oneself and for others who may struggle to ask for help.
Support networks, whether they’re professional services or informal community groups, can significantly help alleviate post-election anxieties and feelings of despair.
For many, the path to emotional recovery starts with acknowledging those feelings and finding constructive outlets to channel them. Whether through professional counseling, community sharing, or simply setting aside some time for personal reflection, each step can lead toward healing. At the end of the day, recognizing the legitimacy of one's feelings can be the first important move toward recovery.
“Grief over political disappointment is real, and it’s universal—everyone experiences it differently. Understanding this can be liberative,” explains Ton.
It’s clear the emotional aftermath of elections lingers well beyond November. It creates ripples through communities, affecting not only personal sentiments but also wider societal interactions and discussions.
Indeed, whether feeling hopeful or grief-stricken, individuals are urged to be gentle with themselves during this challenging time, allowing space for healing and connection. And with so many resources available, there’s reassurance knowing help is out there.
