Well the election is over and we are all grieving and upset. I mean the guy that we were all upset with won and stomped on our hearts. It is natural to want to give in to despair to feel like there is no getting on with life from here forward. In my profession I have even come to find people that have attempted suicide over this issue. In this blog I want to go over ways to better cope with this election stress.
The Anger: The first response I have had is anger. Many are quick to blame each other for what had happened. The Bernie supporters are angry with the Hillary Supporters the Hillary Supporters are mad with the Trump supporters and they are both mad with the people who shrug their shoulders and say they are both identical in the end. Anger is a natural piece of the process but arguing amongst ourselves is not the solution. This only builds anger and resentment that shouldn’t be there. There are many things that we all agree on and one of them is that we don’t like Trump. A solution to the situation can be found but now is simply not the time. Right now we need to mend those torn fences that were red hot during the election year and remember those things that bind us together.
The Need to Do Something: There is an innate need to accomplish something to advocate and address the guilt feelings that you may have at not doing enough. You look for causes to get involved in and protests to march in.
The Depression: The biggest issue in this is the loss of all hope. I myself can relate to this, I see the voter suppression to come and be up-held by a Trump Supreme court that we will be stuck with a one party system and that we will never have freedom again. This may sound silly but there are countless other things that people look at like the environment, Black Lives Matter or other items of interest that they are crying over and rightfully so. This is the depression that can take you over and darken your heart to all things around you.
What can Help: Outlined are a few things that you can do to help yourself and the others around you.
Shut Off: The first thing that you need to do is shut off. 60% of Americans couldn’t care a lick about the United States, learn from them. Watch reality TV, get involved in the season. With the Holidays coming up there are plenty of fun announcements and activities to be involved in. Eat, Drink and be merry. You know Trump will not be in charge until January 20th so as of now don’t feel worried. Though I know it is hard, shut off the news. Don’t bother reading the papers or listening to the pundits. If politics comes up at the table don’t be drawn in tell them we are not discussing it until January. Doing this allows you time to recharge. The Media has stories out there trying to get everyone to panic and all if these are based only on rumor and conjecture. Let’s leave the guessing games to people that like to play games and live our lives for ourselves for once.
Limit Social Media: I know this is a given as with above but you have so many people that are friends and family that do not share your feelings of despair. Many of them are posting nasty mems and looking at you like you are simply a little baby who can’t take a loss. For the time being shut them off from your timeline. Facebook has a wonderful little thing that allows you to stay friends and keep the person’s postings hidden from your timeline at the same time. In my opinion you need to keep them at arm’s length and this is the best way to do it.
Get Involved: For many they have to do something to get over guilt feelings. I say get involved in Charity work. There are plenty of volunteer positions this time of year that could use an able bodied person. Maybe you have a neighbor who’s kids aren’t going to get to have Santa come over this year. Maybe there are family members or friends that could use a shoulder to cry on. Getting involved in activities that are not politically oriented can help you get away from the hustle and bustle of political strain and yet it will also allow you to help out your fellow man.
Get Together: Get together with like-minded people in order to vent and de-stress. You can cry on each other’s shoulder and get out some of those negative feelings. At times like these being in an echo chamber is a good thing. You don’t need the gloating pundits or republican friends and family separating their happy season.
Relax: Take up meditation and learn to clear your head of negative thoughts. Learn about proper breathing skills and participate in guided meditation. These techniques allow you to clear your head and reduce the racing thoughts that may be running through your mind. Light a Candle, look at a roaring fire and listen to the ocean. Start Exercising again, this relieves much more stress than one would think. These are a few ways to get over things or at least to help you resolve the feelings of panic you may be feeling.
In the end this is a horrible event to us all but we can cope and move on with our lives to be better people. All willing we will come back for the next go round after 1/20.
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