Even though the election is over, for many, the anxiety that the election sparked and sustained is not going anywhere. According to the American Psychological Association nearly 70% of Americans reported the presidential election of this year was a source of significant stress in their lives. We see it everywhere we look, still, it is hard to limit your content consumption or manage doom scrolling but that is a must.

Remember that Inauguration Day is January 20th; therefore, we are not living in a new presidency until then. Take notice of what today is like, we live in today with the weather and feelings and realities of today. We cannot worry enough to prepare for what may or may not happen with the upcoming change in presidency.

“Taking care of yourself, despite all that is happening around you, is the most important aspect of this experience,” said Marshall Woods, a licensed clinical psychologist with the Professional Psychology Program at the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences.

Coping with election fallout means reaching for your self-care, your social support, and your emotional support people and activities.

Self-Care Tips from University of South Florida:

1. Download and listen to new music so you do not need to hear as many radio or internet radio political ads. Music releases Dopamine in the brain, the same chemical you get when you eat your favorite food.
2. Speaking up for yourself and your needs is crucial self-care. When you are with friends or family, you can suggest the group avoids political discussion when you feel you need a break from that type of conversation.

Strategies for managing conversation topic boundaries:

1. know that you do not always have to engage, you do not have to take the bait, you can steer the conversation where you would like for it to go and be prepared to be challenged or rebutted if politics do come up. And remember, educating and discussion about politics is not ALL up to you. You do not have to single handedly “convert” the table to your point of view; set intentions for what you want this time with family or friends to look like. Make decisions that facilitate that intention.
2. Rewatch some of your favorite movies or series. It can be comforting, especially during uncertain or unrestful times.
3. Take breaks from scrolling through social media; mute or unfollow accounts which trigger anxiety.
4. Hang out with your pet! Dogs have few political opinions.
5. Try to get the right amount of sleep, mental health gets unbalanced with too much or too little sleep.
6. Reach out to your mental health provider, clinic, or trusted friend if you need to talk.
7. Make a conscious effort to use coping skills that are usually helpful to you.
8. Take a walk, get outsides, enjoy nature, or take a deep breath of fresh air. Connect with the natural world around you.

It is important to remember that the law has often not dictated moral right and wrong. Segregation, slavery, women’s right to vote or open their own bank account are all only put into law in the last 60, max 100, years! Taking care of those who are at risk with the potential upcoming changes in legislature is more than an effort at the polls. If you have a friend or loved one who is hurt or distraught from the election outcome, speak with them, get curious about their fears, listen to them, and ask them how you can support if you have the capacity to do so. If you do not understand why or how someone could be so hurt or discouraged with the outcome of the election, again, GET CURIOUS! Ask questions, try to understand where they are coming from and how you can demonstrate allyship in ways you are capable of.

If any of the election outcomes have negatively impacted your daily routines, such as sleep, eating, or focus, use your coping skills and contact a mental health professional. You may need more than just friendly support to expand your coping skills. If you do not have a current mental health care provider, please contact Life Enhancement Counseling Services at 407-443-8862 to schedule an appointment with one of our licensed mental health counselors.

Resources:

https://myusf.usfca.edu/caps/self-help-resources/socio-political-stress

https://columbian.gwu.edu/how-cope-post-election-stress