How to Handle Stress and Anxiety After the Election Results

Emotions ran particularly high during this election season given the significance of the topics being debated, such as women’s reproductive rights, immigration and mass deportation, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and transgender rights, to name a few. Our country remains in a state of political divisiveness. As such, it is understandable that those on the losing side might feel disheartened or demoralized in the aftermath of the results. This article aims to offer support for those experiencing distress in response to the election results.

Post-Election Stress Coping Strategies

Managing stress after election results isn’t an easy feat. Take care of your mental health by using these coping strategies to find calm and clarity during times of political tension and uncertainty:

1. Identify Your Feelings

Allow yourself time to slow down and identify your feelings. By doing so, you can begin to answer the crucial question: “What Are Your Emotions Trying To Tell You?” There have been many weeks and months of anticipatory anxiety leading up to Election Day. While you may have prepared for either outcome, you may have been surprised by the fact that it wasn’t a close race like most media outlets predicted. It’s natural to feel sadness, anger, fear, disappointment, confusion or uncertainty. Know that you are not alone. Recognizing that others share your feelings can often bring relief. Reach out to friends and family who have similar views for a safe space to process this experience together.

2. Limit Your Consumption

Similar to guidance I offered during previous presidential elections, be mindful of your news consumption and avoid overload. Prepare yourself for an abundance of news coverage discussing the outcome and predicting what lies ahead. There are more minute-to-minute discussions about news events than there are actual news events. While it is important to stay informed, overconsumption does not help. Beware of Doomscrolling and its negative effects on our mental and physical health, relationships, and productivity.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, identify the sources of your overconsumption. Social media is often a major contributor. Here are some strategies to consider:

• Take a break from it or reduce the number of hours you spend on it each day.
• Pause news alerts on your devices to avoid excessive information.
• Designate certain times of the day to engage with news outlets that you trust.

Additionally, read the news to slow consumption, rather than watching it on TV or social media.

3. Radical Acceptance of the Outcome

You may find it difficult to accept the election results because of the strong personal and political values you hold, especially after putting effort into shaping them. It can be hard to accept that someone else may have put in the same effort and arrived at a different choice. Some people choose a candidate because of political affiliation, personal preference, or a single issue. The reality is that everyone has their own reasons for casting their vote, and ultimately, you can’t control those decisions. Radical acceptance is accepting a situation that is out of your control without judgment. By doing so, you can lessen the suffering that accompanies the pain of such situations. While this might seem impossible right now, that’s okay – it’s an important step to take at some point in order to move forward.

4. Determine What’s in Your Control

Although you may feel discouraged by the outcome of the election, Finding Hope is still within reach. If you feel disillusioned, overwhelmed, or hopeless, you are not alone. I encourage you to reach out, connect, and work toward creating the future you want. Democracy requires active engagement. Focus on what is within your control, be informed, and learn how you can advocate for the causes that are important to you. For instance, contact your local government officials to learn how you can contribute to local changes, sign petitions or donate to the causes that matter to you.

5. Healthy Distraction

Thinking and talking about the election results can be overwhelming. Find healthy sources of distraction to help you cope. For instance, exercise to let out some frustration, read a book or get lost in a show you enjoy. If you’re not sure where to start, practice Self-Care Made Simple With GRAPES. It’s okay to feel joy in addition to negative feelings surrounding election results. Don’t feel obligated to feel devastated all day to demonstrate how much this impacts you.

Coping with post-election stress can be challenging, and I hope these strategies help you reduce stress and improve overall well-being. If you’re finding it difficult to manage the emotions and stress associated with the political tension and uncertainty, you don’t have to face it alone. Seeking additional support from a professional San Diego psychologist at Therapy Changes can make a big difference. A professional therapist can offer tailored guidance and practical tools to help you navigate the stressors in your life and develop strategies for your unique situation. Our talented team of therapists are here to help you with it. Don’t hesitate to reach out to learn How Therapy Works and What to Expect. Contact Us today to get started.

Photo by Jordan Madrid on Unsplash