Election Results and Emotional Impact: Coping with Disappointment and Finding Resilience
By Christiana Ibilola Awosan, PhD., LMFT
The recent election results have left many grappling with a range of difficult emotions. According to a recent survey by the American Psychological Association, more than 75% of adults reported that the future of the country is a major stressor for them. I certainly witnessed the evidence of increased stress this week after the recent election results. Many who sought our services at Ibisanmi expressed a range of emotions–from numbness, anxiety, and fear to outrage.
For those who hoped for a historic win—such as the election of the first female, Black, and Asian president, Kamala Harris—the outcome has been deeply disappointing. This feeling is not unfamiliar; it echoes the heartbreak many experienced when Hillary Clinton lost to Donald Trump in 2016, leaving many to question the future of our country. The emotional toll of such moments can be overwhelming, and it's important to recognize and address these feelings with compassion and care.
Emotional Reactions: A Range of Complex Feelings
For many, the election results in 2016 and on November 5th of this year weren't just about politics—they felt like a personal loss. The unexpected voting patterns, such as the surprising support for Trump among white women and Latino men, left many concerned about what those shifts mean for the country and for their own futures. The outcome may feel similar to a rejection of the values and progress that many had hoped for, further amplifying feelings of fear, anger, and confusion.
Moreover, the sense of division in the country has grown more pronounced. The election results can be seen as a mirror reflecting deep divides and a growing sense of animosity. For marginalized communities, these outcomes can feel like a setback or a denial of visibility, particularly in terms of race, gender, and social justice. This intensifies the emotional burden, and it's critical to acknowledge that these feelings are valid and deserve attention. It is important to pay attention to how these emotions are being processed.
Self-Care Strategies for Navigating Election Aftermath
In the wake of difficult election results, self-care becomes essential—not just as a way to cope but as a vital tool for emotional survival and resilience. Here are some strategies to help navigate the emotional landscape and take care of your mental and emotional well-being:
1. Limit Social Media Consumption
The digital world can be a constant source of stress, especially after an emotionally charged event like an election. Social media can fuel anger, anxiety, and division. Consider limiting your time on platforms where negative news and heated arguments are prevalent. Instead, balance your feed to include sources that inspire and uplift you, and take breaks from online spaces that trigger distress. Practicing mindful media consumption can help you preserve emotional energy and focus on more grounding activities.
2. Engage with Supportive Communities
Isolation can amplify feelings of distress, so it’s important to seek out communities that offer emotional support and solidarity. Whether online or in-person, connecting with groups that share your values and experiences can provide a sense of belonging and reassurance. These communities can help you process your emotions and feel less alone in the face of difficult outcomes. Sharing experiences with others who understand your perspective can be cathartic and healing.
3. Prioritize Mental and Emotional Wellness
Taking care of your mind and body is crucial when dealing with the emotional weight of election results. This could involve engaging in activities that bring you peace and joy, such as journaling, meditation, mindful breathing, walking, or listening to music. These practices can help ground you and provide a sense of calm amid the chaos. Consider exploring new hobbies or re-engaging with old passions to help redirect your energy in a more positive direction.
4. Acknowledge Cultural and Social Trauma
For marginalized communities—especially Black, People of Color, women, immigrants, LGBTQ+ and working poor individuals —the election results may feel like a rejection of their humanity or an affirmation of systems that perpetuate inequality. These feelings are part of a broader history and current experiences of social and cultural trauma, such as racial, poverty and gender trauma. It’s essential to recognize and name these feelings and their impact on how people are responding to the election results.
5. Focus on Joy as a Form of Resistance
In the face of adversity, embracing joy can be a powerful act of resistance. By focusing on what brings you happiness and fulfillment—whether that’s spending time with loved ones, pursuing personal goals, or engaging in acts of kindness—you can build resilience for the future. Joy is a form of self-care that reaffirms your worth, honors the dignity of others and provides a foundation for navigating challenging times.
6. Seek Professional Support
Sometimes, the emotional toll of political outcomes can feel too overwhelming to handle on your own. If you're struggling to process feelings of sadness, anger, or anxiety, seeking help from a therapist or counselor can be an invaluable resource. A licensed mental health professional can provide guidance and coping strategies to navigate complex emotions, particularly for those experiencing heightened stress, trauma, or a sense of powerlessness. Therapy can offer a safe space to explore feelings and develop resilience.
Cultivating and Holding Resilience and Hope
While it’s important to acknowledge and process difficult emotions, it’s equally important to focus on how we can move forward. Coping with election results isn't just about managing negative emotions; it’s about finding ways to stay connected to hope and purpose in an uncertain future.
Remember, you are not alone in this journey. Your emotions are valid, and there is strength in leaning on supportive communities, taking care of your mental health, and finding ways to resist through joy, action, and connection. By focusing on joy and solidarity, we can continue to care for ourselves and advocate for a future that aligns with our values, no matter the challenges ahead.
