Post-election thoughts? Here are some expert tips and tools to take control of your mental health

Most of the Americans were stressed first Election Dayand then after the election, emotions are rising for many across the country.

Experts say that Americans with different political views may be overcome with emotions after the election results, from pride and optimism to sadness, frustration and even fear.

The feeling of, ‘How did this happen?’ they are likely to be widespread and would have been any way the election had gone. community and hope for the future,” Chaitali Sinha, psychologist and chief research and development officer at mental health app Wysa, told CBS News.

If you are someone who wants to better deal with the heightened emotions during the election, here are some tips according to the experts.

Dealing with election results, losses

Know that you are not alone: “It’s normal for people to feel lost or scared when election results don’t match their hopes,” Sinha said, adding these feelings “can damage mental health,” making policies a to deal with the situation be important.

Regardless of how you feel about the election results, Harry Cohen, psychologist and author of “Be The Sun, Not The Salt,” suggests extending “more grace to those who are having a hard time .” This could include you, he said.

“Remember that everyone deals with emotions differently,” she said.

Use fun, healthy distractions: “Engaging in self-care activities, such as spending time outside, exercising or connecting with supportive friends can provide relief and relief from stress,” Sinha said.

He said that relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, journaling or simply expressing your feelings to help you process them can also help.

Once you feel calm, putting your energy back into action can help you feel more energized, according to Dr. Michele Nealon, clinical psychologist and president of The Chicago School. This could include going for a walk, reading a book, volunteering or finding other ways to get involved in a positive way.

“Being aware of your emotions and focusing on what you can influence can reduce stress and restore a sense of control and purpose,” Nealon said.

If you choose to put your energy into supporting causes related to you, don’t overdo it.

“To avoid burnout, especially in climates where people are already tired, it’s important to set limits,” Nealon said. “Remember that everyone has different tolerance levels and ways of engaging. Self-motivation, setting achievable goals, and putting yourself first is the key to maintaining your energy.”

Limitation of judgment: “It’s important to take a break from the news,” Sinha said.

Psychiatrist Dr. Sue Varma recently told CBS News that she is proposing to put a monitor on social media tools at set boundaries to phone notifications.

“It’s really important to have and carve out sacred spaces throughout your day where you don’t have frequent notifications,” he said.

Try not to rotate: Don’t spoil the future with ‘what will happen.’ Nobody knows what’s going to happen,” Cohen said. “Remember that you’ve been through disappointments before. Every time you go through them. This one is no different.”

Seek help if needed: For those who feel overwhelmed, talking to a mental health professional can also provide guidance – and some have turned to organizations that can help.

The Trevor Project, for example, reported Tuesday that the LGBTQ+ youth mental health organization saw a nearly 200% increase in election-related conversation topics across its crisis services in days first of all the results.

Although feelings of high-stakes emotions are common, especially for people in marginalized communities, long-term feelings of sadness, anxiety or fear that begin to affect daily life may indicate a need for more support, Nealon said.

“It’s normal to feel depressed or anxious, especially if you’re worried about the health of someone or your family, but if these feelings continue to interfere with your sleep, focus or energy, professional guidance can help,” he said.

Tips for managing a family that voted differently

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, some are worried about political differences that are making family gatherings feel tense.

Sinha warns that no good comes from heated political arguments with your family members.

“Approach these interactions with curiosity and compassion wherever possible, as opposed to judgment, no matter how difficult it may be,” he advised. “Try to listen carefully and find common ground on shared values, even if your political beliefs differ.”

If that’s not possible, setting boundaries can help.

This can look like politely moving the topic somewhere else if the conversation becomes angry or uncomfortable or simply walking away.

Cohen suggests finding a phrase that works for you and your situation. He shared a few examples, including:

• “Let’s move on, shall we?”
• “I think it’s better for our relationship if we avoid talking about the election.”
• “I wish there was a different result, but we agree that we need to accept the results and try our best to find common ground between us.”
• “Now that the election is over, I expect not to talk about it at all.”

If the words are not enough, try changing things.

“If relatives insist on discussing divisive topics, having an activity to save money, such as a game, vacation or shared project, can help focus the group,” Nealon says. said.

And if the meeting becomes too stressful, consider setting yourself a bigger boundary by not attending.

“Talk but be considerate. You can say, ‘I really appreciate the invitation, but I need some time to relax right now. Let’s arrange something nearby that allows us to meet in a low-stress way.’ Respecting your boundaries is important for maintaining mental health and meaningful relationships,” she said.

Post-election mental health resources

988 Suicide & Lifeline Problems

If you or someone you know is depressed or in a suicidal crisis, you can reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. You can also chat with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline here.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness HelpLine

For more information about mental health care resources and support, The NAMI HelpLine can be reached Monday through Friday, 10 am–10 pm ET, at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or email info@nami.org.

Trevor’s plan

For LGBTQIA+ youth seeking free, confidential support, call 1-866-488-7386, text ‘GET STARTED’ to 678-678 or visit their website to chat with a dedicated counselor sexuality and gentle counsellor.

Veterans Affairs Hotline

Call 988 and press 1, text 838255 or chat online here.

Substance abuse support

Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous have resources on their website, including virtual meetings.

SAMHSA’s National Mental Health and/or Substance Abuse Helpline can be reached at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).