To those whose candidate won the presidential election of 2024, you are most certainly feeling elated and victorious. In a democratic society, the will of the People is to be honored. And on Tuesday, the People spoke.
For many others, however, the results of the election have stirred a variety of emotions, ranging from shock and bewilderment to profound sadness and anxiety. “Gutted” is a word I have heard often in the past few days. To this group of citizens, what happened on Tuesday is not simply the loss of an election. To say they (or you) are “bummed out” is like saying the Titanic ran into a problem. It grossly underestimates the shattered dreams and sunken optimism that buoyed so many as they looked, joyfully, to brighter shores.
Coping with post-election devastation and confusion can be a difficult and emotional experience.
I offer a framework for how to process and cope with these emotions tonight, on my podcast, “Who Do You Think You Are?”
Here are some suggestions for you to think about.
* First and foremost, it is essential to acknowledge and validate your feelings, whatever those feelings are. With every loss comes its accompanying grief.
* Focus on what you can control. Channel the energy of your strong feelings into activities that promote positive change, such as volunteering or advocating for causes you believe in. Research backs this up as an effective way to combat depression or a downward spiral.
* Media Detox: Limit your exposure to news and social media until you can return to it without feeling too swept up by all the noise and competing information. (With the exception of election night, I am on my 14th day of a news fast. Not easy, but I feel better.)
* Seek Support. Connect with others who can provide a safe and supportive space to express your feelings. Community is one of the pillars for dealing with adversity, pain, and aloneness.
* Take Care of Your Needs. Practicing self-care by pro-actively tending to your emotional and physical well-being is of utmost importance. Engage in activities that bring you comfort, relaxation, and joy. At a time like this, nature is better than Grey Goose.
* Practice mindfulness. Redirect your what-ifs and fearful projections back to the present moment. Of course, it’s natural to concern yourself with planning for future eventualities, but projecting too far ahead can quickly lead to additional anxiety and helplessness. Stay in the now as much as you can.
Remember, it’s perfectly normal to feel sad or angry or overwhelmed but by acknowledging and honoring your emotions, you can get through this very challenging time in the best way possible. Above all, know that you are not alone. Others are willing to hear you just as you are willing to hear others. Sharing difficult times, almost more than anything else, is what makes them bearable.
