Coping with Post-Election Emotions
Hey there!
With recent election results, you might be feeling a whirlwind of emotions—stress, uncertainty, frustration, anger, grief, the list goes on... You’re not alone. Elections often bring heightened tension, especially when the stakes are personal or the results differ from your hopes.
In today’s blog post I wanted to share more about ways to help to manage post-election stress and anxiety, so you can find balance, take care of your mental health, and stay grounded during uncertain times.
5 Strategies to Cope with Post-Election Emotions
Here are some actionable steps to help you regain a sense of calm and control:
1. Limit News and Social Media Consumption
While staying informed is important, it’s easy to get caught in the spiral of anxiety associated with constant exposure to news and social media. Set boundaries for how often you check updates, and give yourself permission to take a step back by muting or unfollowing accounts that cause stress and negatively impact your mental health.
One way to approach this is to designate specific times to catch up on news (e.g., 20 minutes in the morning) and avoid doom-scrolling before bed by engaging in a healthy distraction. It can be helpful to have open-ended conversations around this with the people you live with to set expectations and rely on each other for support.
2. Focus on What You Can Control
It’s easy to feel powerless after an election, but shifting your focus to what you can control can reduce anxiety. This can be as simple as putting additional effort into making yourself dinner or getting quality time with friends. You can also consider actions like:
Volunteering for causes you care about.
Engaging in your community.
Reaching out to local representatives to advocate for change.
Small actions can make a big difference in how empowered you feel.
3. Set Boundaries Around Political Discussions
Not every conversation needs to dive into politics. If certain discussions feel draining or unproductive, it’s okay to step away. You can say:
“I’d rather not talk about talk about that right now.”
“Let’s focus on catching up instead—I’ve missed you!”
Communicating boundaries with kindness can protect your peace while maintaining relationships.
4. Practice Self-Care Daily
Stressful times call for intentional self-care. Whether it’s exercise, meditation, journaling, or simply getting enough sleep, small practices add up. Remember: taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s necessary.
Check out this guide on self-care strategies for stress management.
5. Reconnect with Your Values
Elections may shape policies, but your values remain constant. Reflect on what matters most to you and find ways to live out those values daily, regardless of political outcomes. This might mean spending time with loved ones, supporting marginalized communities, or simply showing kindness in small ways.
Resources for Support
If you’re looking for additional tools or guidance, here are some helpful resources:
You’re Not Alone
Every and any emotion you may be experiencing after this election is real, and it’s valid. Remember, it’s okay to take a step back, protect your energy, and focus on what brings you peace. By managing your stress and staying connected to your values, you can navigate this period with resilience and hope.
If you’d like more personalized support, I’d be happy to help. Feel free to reach out to discuss how therapy can help you cope with complex emotions you may be facing right now and the impact on relationships. Together, we can find strategies to restore balance and focus on what truly matters.
Wishing you peace, strength, and hope in the weeks ahead.
Warmly,
Kendra Sievers
LCSW