Post-Election Feelings: How to Cope and Stay Healthy

Election day may be over, but the emotions it sparked are still strong. Many Americans feel a mix of joy, sadness, or worry. Experts say this is normal. We all handle elections differently, and that’s okay. First, know you’re not alone in your feelings. It’s common to feel sad or scared when the election results don’t go as hoped. Show kindness to others and yourself. Everyone deals with emotions in their own way. To feel better, try healthy distractions. Go for a walk, read a book, or talk to friends. Deep breathing and journaling can also help. Once you’re calmer, find ways to make a positive difference. This could be volunteering or supporting causes you care about. Just don’t overdo it. Set boundaries to avoid burnout.Too much news can be bad. Take breaks from the news and social media. Set a timer to limit notifications. Don’t worry too much about the future. You’ve gotten through tough times before. If feelings get too hard to handle, talk to a mental health professional. They can offer guidance. Organizations like The Trevor Project saw a big increase in people reaching out before the election results. With Thanksgiving coming, family gatherings might be tense. Try to listen and find common ground. If things get heated, change the topic or leave the conversation. Have a backup activity like a game or project. If a gathering is too stressful, it’s okay to skip it. There are resources to help if you need them. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is there to chat or text. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine can provide information. The Trevor Project offers support for LGBTQIA+ youth.