Elections often come with a whirlwind of emotions. For many, the aftermath can bring relief and hope, but for others, it can lead to feelings of anxiety, despair, fear, or even hopelessness. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed during such periods of uncertainty or transition, especially when the stakes feel high and the future seems unclear.
The good news? You’re not alone in feeling this way, and there are steps you can take to regain a sense of balance and control. Here’s how to navigate these complex emotions and find ways to move forward with resilience.
1. Acknowledge and Validate Your Feelings
The first step in coping with difficult emotions is recognizing and validating them. It’s okay to feel anxious, sad, or uncertain. These feelings are a natural response to change and perceived instability. Remind yourself that emotions, while powerful, are temporary. Giving yourself permission to feel without judgment is a crucial part of processing them.
2. Limit Media Consumption
Post-election media coverage can be relentless and overwhelming. While it’s important to stay informed, constant exposure to headlines, debates, and commentary can amplify feelings of despair or fear. Try setting boundaries around your media consumption:
Schedule specific times to check the news instead of scrolling constantly.
Choose reliable sources over sensationalist content.
Unplug from social media when it feels overwhelming.
3. Focus on What You Can Control
Elections often remind us of the limits of our individual control, which can feel disheartening. Redirect your focus to areas of your life where you do have influence:
Strengthen personal relationships. Reach out to friends or loved ones for support and connection.
Engage in community efforts. Contributing to causes you care about can foster a sense of purpose and empowerment.
Practice self-care by creating routines that nurture your physical and mental health.
4. Practice Grounding Techniques
When anxiety or fear feels overwhelming, grounding techniques can help bring you back to the present moment:
Box Breathing: Inhale slowly for four counts, hold for four counts, then exhale for four counts, hold for four counts. Repeat until you feel calmer.
5-4-3-2-1 Exercise: Identify five things you can see, four you can touch, three you can hear, two you can smell, and one you can taste.
Movement: Go for a walk, stretch, or engage in any physical activity to release pent-up stress.
5. Seek Support Through Connection
Sometimes, the best way to process difficult emotions is to share them with someone you trust. Talking openly about your fears and frustrations can lighten their weight. If you feel isolated or unable to connect with loved ones, consider joining a support group or talking with a therapist.
6. Talk to a Therapist
Navigating intense emotions like despair, fear, and hopelessness can be challenging on your own. A therapist can provide you with tools to process these feelings, reframe your perspective, and build emotional resilience. Therapy offers a safe space to explore your emotions and develop strategies for moving forward.
Take the First Step: Schedule with Saving Throws
If post-election emotions are weighing heavily on you, you don’t have to face them alone. At Saving Throws, our compassionate therapists are here to help you navigate this difficult time. Together, we’ll work to understand your feelings, identify coping strategies, and help you regain a sense of hope and control.
Click here to schedule a session today and take the first step toward healing and resilience.
Comments