Almost 2 weeks after the devastating news (for Democrats) that Donald Trump had won reelection, the rage, sadness, and grief have ebbed and flowed. I allow them all to be verbalized. Sleep is better. Heart palpitations have receded. I have taken a temporary TV news fast since watching reports of the sweeping away of what had felt safe and predictable is not compatible with my wellbeing.
Having been an active volunteer for the Harris-Walz campaign, I knew what was at stake. I was a regular presence at the Doylestown Democrats table at the farmers’ market, speaking with those who stopped by, as well a few rather unproductive dialogues with a man who was at the Republican table. I sent postcards to registered voters, did voter education casually each day, wrote articles, donated to various Democratic campaigns, attended rallies, and displayed lawn signs. Feeling a contagious sense of joy and hope, and riding on a wave of optimism, I was certain Kamala Harris and Tim Walz would be inaugurated. But voters had other plans.
‘Compartmentalization’ is my go-to word at the moment. My full-time job as a therapist requires that I hold space for clients who are expressing election anxiety and now, in the aftermath, deep despair and fear for the future of our country and in some cases, their personal safety or that of loved ones. Having no concrete answers and no magic wand to wave to make it all better, I hold space for all of their feelings. Some have spoken about moving to Blue states or even out of the country. During an interview on NBC 10 last week, I shared those thoughts as well as others.
Therapist shares tips on how to handle election results
What can you do to maintain emotional stability and basic wellness in the face of an uncertain future?
- Allow your feelings to exist rather than repress them. All emotions are valid.
- Don’t rush to do a spiritual bypass, but if you have religious practice, engage in it for comfort and guidance. You may also be experiencing a crisis of faith.
- Sleep when you can. Eat as healthily as possible. Exercise. Engage in enjoyable hobbies. Meditate. Practice yoga. Read. Listen to music. Walk in nature.
- Avoid overindulging with food, alcohol or other substances.
- Remind yourself that humans are a resilient species and that this country has survived a Civil War, and a Civil Rights Movement, assassinations of JFK, RFK, MLK and Malcolm X, the Kent State Massacre, the Vietnam War, 9/11 and COVID-19.
- Recognize that anxiety comes from not knowing what will occur or fearing what might occur as well as a sense of loss of control. Ask yourself what you can control in the present moment.
- Get involved at a community level as you are able to speak up for those who have no voice. Volunteer for campaigns in preparation for the midterms.
- Spend time with kindred spirits who share your values in order to grieve and plan for the future, in community.
- You can remain informed without being inundated by news. Take a break when you are feeling overwhelmed.
- Holidays are approaching and chances are, some of you will be sharing a gathering with family and friends who are celebrating the victory of their candidate, and if you need to step away for a bit, it really is okay, even if there is a temptation to go head to head.
I am doing my best to let my faith be stronger than my fear and will continue to show up, stand up and speak out
To put your money where your values are, visit Good Unites Us. You can check out companies with whom you do business to see whose campaigns they support.
