As the dust settles after the US Presidential Election results, many of us are left grappling with a turbulent mix of emotions. Whether you feel hopeful, frustrated, fearful, or exhausted, you’re not alone in your response. As a therapist with progressive-leaning views, I understand the weight of political anxiety and the deep fears that can arise in this ever-changing landscape. It’s important to acknowledge these emotions while also finding ways to care for yourself in a system that can often feel overwhelming and unpredictable.
Political Anxiety and the Fear of the Unknown
Political anxiety is a very real and valid experience for many, especially in the wake of a presidential election that often feels like a referendum on the values that guide our society. Whether it’s concerns about reproductive rights, climate change, racial justice, or the future of democracy, the stakes can feel higher than ever. If you find yourself constantly preoccupied with what’s going to happen next, or feeling overwhelmed by the news, know that your anxiety is a reflection of your care for the world and the people in it. It’s okay to feel this way, but it’s crucial that we learn to cope with these feelings so they don’t take over.
Addressing Political Fears and Political Burnout
It’s easy to feel paralyzed by the uncertainty that follows any election cycle, and it’s even harder when the political climate feels polarized and hostile. Political burnout is a term many are familiar with, and it’s something that happens when we expend so much emotional energy fighting for justice, equality, and human dignity that we eventually feel depleted. Recognizing when you’re burnt out and taking active steps to protect your mental health is key.
One of the most powerful tools in managing political burnout and anxiety is setting boundaries. Limit your exposure to social media or the news, especially if it’s causing you to spiral into negative thought patterns. Set aside time each day to engage in activities that bring you joy, such as spending time with loved ones, taking a walk, or practicing a hobby that makes you feel grounded. It’s okay to step away from the noise when you need to recharge, so you can return with a clearer mind and a more sustainable sense of purpose.
Self-Care Strategies for Managing Political Anxiety
As someone who works with clients navigating difficult emotions, here are a few self-care strategies that I recommend for managing political anxiety and fears:
1. Practice Mindfulness and Grounding Techniques:
Anxiety thrives in the unknown. Using grounding techniques like deep breathing, body scans, or grounding your senses can help reduce the grip of anxiety in the moment. Mindfulness encourages us to stay present, rather than getting lost in fear about the future. Resources like the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health offer mindfulness exercises that can be helpful.
2. Focus on What You Can Control:
While it’s easy to feel helpless when the political landscape feels like it’s constantly shifting, focusing on actions that are within your control can give you a sense of agency. Whether it’s engaging in local activism, supporting causes close to your heart, or simply having meaningful conversations with others, small actions can add up to big change. The American Psychological Association offers valuable insights into the impact of political engagement on mental health.
3. Seek Community and Solidarity:
It’s essential to find spaces where you can be heard and understood. This might be a support group, a community organization, or even just talking to friends or family members who share your values. Solidarity reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles and that we can lean on one another. Psychology Today has a database of support groups where you can find like-minded individuals and communities to connect with.
4. Therapy and Emotional Support:
As a therapist, I know how powerful it can be to work through political fears and anxieties in a safe, supportive environment. If you’re struggling with overwhelming feelings in the aftermath of the election, seeking support can be a crucial step in healing. Talking through your thoughts, fears, and concerns can help you process emotions and develop strategies for coping in a way that aligns with your values. The Therapist Finder on Psychology Today can help you find professionals who specialize in political anxiety and burnout.
5. Protect Your Mental Health with Information:
It’s important to be informed, but also to protect your mental health from information overload. Fact-checking sites such as FactCheck.org can help you navigate the overwhelming flood of political information and avoid getting lost in misleading or sensationalist content.
Finding Peace in Uncertainty
Ultimately, navigating political anxiety and fears about the unknown is not about abandoning your values or activism, but rather about protecting your mental health so that you can continue the work that matters most to you. While we cannot control the outcome of every election or political event, we can control how we respond to it. Self-care is not a luxury—it is a necessity for our emotional well-being, especially during challenging political times.
Remember, you are not alone. It’s okay to feel what you’re feeling. Take time to rest, reflect, and replenish your spirit so that you can remain strong in your fight for justice, peace, and equality..
Authors
Prerna Menon
LCSW | CCTP
Specialties: survivors of childhood sexual abuse & incest survivors, existential crisis, race-based stress, gender identity & sexuality-related conflicts, cross-cultural issues, addiction, international students, family issues & acculturation
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