Coping with Post-Election Stress

Emotions and experiences related to this past election has been hard on a lot of us. If the aftermath of the election has been stirring up some difficult feelings for you, you are far from being alone, even if it sometimes feels that way. Let’s talk about how to care for yourself and stay grounded when there is so much that is uncertain and out of your control.

First I want to acknowledge that there is so much that we only have a limited impact on. While we can advocate for the changes we want to see in the world, we cannot control what others do and many of the effects that it has on us and others. The tips I am giving aim to help you with the pieces that you do have some say in. When there is so much around us that we don’t control, it can be even more important to acknowledge what is out of our power while at the same time leaning into parts of our life where we do have some control.

Tips for Staying Present and Moving Forward

“There are some very big things that are not in your control. Allow yourself to witness that as you move down this list.”

1. Name Your Feelings Without Judgment
   Take a moment to notice what you’re feeling and give it a name. “I feel anxious.” “I feel disappointed.” Naming an emotion doesn’t fix it, but it can take some of the power out of that swirling storm in your chest. It’s especially helpful to acknowledge the emotions that might feel less “acceptable” to you given your other values. For example, do you feel envy toward others who are in a better position than you right now? Are you feeling strong anger toward someone you don’t want to feel angry with? Name those too.

2. Acknowledge What Is Not In Your Control

   This is related to Tip 1 above, but I thought it deserves it’s own spot on the list. A lot of the next few items relate to trying to create a better experience for yourself. Those are important, but I don’t want that to turn into discounting the very real fears and limits of those ideas. There are some very big things that are not in your control. Allow yourself to witness that as a truth as you move forward down this list.

3. Remember That Fear is Valid But Not “True”
   Anxiety involves a lot of what-ifs, and this election brings up some big and impactful ones. It’s important to remind yourself that fear doesn’t equal fact. Being worried doesn’t mean those fears will necessarily come true. Many things are possible right now. Allow yourself to have some feeling of fear while also reminding yourself that we don’t know what will ultimately happen, which “what-ifs” will become true vs. what will not, what supports will be available, etc. This could look like saying to yourself, “I’m scared, and it makes sense to feel fear. And I don’t know what will ultimately happen. Right now I am safe.”

4. Take an Action Step

   If you’re feeling restless or helpless, consider turning that energy into action. Volunteer, write to your representatives, or support causes that align with your values. It’s a reminder that you do have some control, even when you don’t have complete control.

5. Take a Break From the News
   Refreshing your feed over and over can feel like scratching an itch that never goes away. Instead, set a limit. Maybe you check updates for 15 minutes in the morning, then step away for the rest of the day. The world won’t change faster just because you’re watching. Or, make a point to search for positive news.

6. Reconnect with Non-Election Activities

   When things feel heavy, it’s easy to forget that there are parts of your life that the political environment won’t touch. Spend time on something completely unrelated to politics—go for a walk, bake cookies, lose yourself in a favorite book or show. Those little moments of connection to yourself are like anchors in the storm. It could also be helpful to create a goal related to one of these things — read a certain number of books in a particular timespan, learn a new crochet pattern, explore a new place each week, etc.

7. Connect With Your People
   Lean on those who help you feel steady, whether it’s a close friend, a family member, or a supportive group. It’s okay to share your fears, but it’s also okay to laugh about something unrelated or just sit together in comfortable silence.
   
   

There’s no single way to process election results, and there’s no timeline for “getting over it.” Take the time you need to feel, reflect, and reconnect with what matters most to you.

If you’re finding it hard to navigate these feelings alone, I’m considering starting a support group for those who want to process together. If that’s something you’d be interested in, please reach out—I’d love to hear from you.