Elections can stir up a whirlwind of emotions—anger, anxiety, fear, sadness, or even hopelessness. For many, the days and weeks following an election bring an acute mix of emotional reactions, especially when political outcomes impact communities we belong to, or values close to our hearts.

At Be BOLD Psychology and Consulting, we are here to validate these feelings. As a dedicated LGBTQIA+ affirming, neuroaffirming, and trauma-informed space, we strive to provide a safer, supportive place to process and work through these complex reactions. If you need a supportive ear, we have immediate availability to support you through post-election stress. Here are strategies and insights to help manage post-election emotions and foster a sense of community and action during these very uncertain and unsettling times.

1. Recognize and Validate Your Feelings

It’s natural to feel a wide variety of intense emotions after an election, especially when the outcome has the very real potential to impact so many communities, including LGBTQIA+ and especially transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse individuals. Rather than brushing aside these emotions, take time to acknowledge and validate them. Reflect on what specifically is contributing to your anger or fear. Is it concerns over potential policies, or are personal experiences resurfacing? This mindful recognition allows you to respond to your feelings more intentionally, making it easier to process them without overwhelming yourself.

2. Limit Your Media Consumption

Constant news updates can fuel anxiety, sadness, or anger. While staying informed is important for planning and safety, setting boundaries on media consumption can protect your mental well-being. Designate specific times to catch up on news and avoid doom-scrolling, especially before bed. This small boundary helps prevents being flooded with information and allows you to decompress more effectively. Instead, consider tuning in to positive or neutral activities to balance your media intake, such as reading a favorite book, practicing mindfulness, or engaging in a hobby.

3. Practice Mindfulness and Grounding Exercises

Mindfulness techniques can be powerful tools for managing post-election emotions. Activities like deep breathing, grounding exercises, or body scans can help you focus on the present and lower stress levels. Here’s a grounding technique you can try anytime you feel overwhelmed:

5-4-3-2-1 Technique: Identify five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. This practice redirects your attention to your surroundings, helping you feel more connected to the present moment and less absorbed in distressing thoughts.

Mindfulness also teaches us to observe our thoughts without judgment, promoting a gentler and more accepting relationship with our emotions. At Be BOLD, our clinicians can help you explore and develop mindfulness practices tailored to your needs.

Of course, mindfulness is not going to itself change the startling and very real reality for so many. Instead, the hope is to offer a break or reprieve from anxiety and hypervigilance – as that is also not going to serve you moving forward.

4. Connect with Supportive People

Connecting with loved ones or supportive communities can bring comfort and validation. Surround yourself with people who affirm your experiences and values. This might include friends, family, or a therapist who understands your concerns. Supportive conversations can lessen feelings of isolation and provide emotional relief.

If you’re looking for a safer space, consider seeking therapy with an affirming professional. At Be BOLD, our team is trained to offer compassionate, affirming support, especially during times when you may feel vulnerable or unsure. Our therapists are here to listen, validate your experiences, and work with you to process post-election emotions effectively.

5. Take Meaningful Action

Engaging in purposeful action can help transform feelings of powerlessness into empowerment. Consider contributing to causes that resonate with you—whether that’s through advocacy, volunteering, or donating to organizations that support LGBTQIA+ rights, neurodivergent communities, immigrants, reproductive freedoms, or mental health resources. Taking proactive steps, even small ones, allows you to channel your emotions into positive impact and restore a sense of agency.

6. Revisit Your Self-Care Routine

When emotions run high, self-care becomes more essential. Create a routine that includes practices like movement, rest, creativity, or spending time in nature. For example:

• Movement: Physical activity releases endorphins that elevate mood and reduce stress. Go for a walk, do some gentle stretching in your living room, pump some iron in your garage, dance in the kitchen, jump up and down in your backyard – do what feels good for you while moving your body.
• Rest: Good sleep is restorative and crucial for emotional balance.
• Creativity: Engage in creative outlets like drawing, journaling, pottery, or crafting as a way to express and process complex feelings.
• Nature: Spend time outdoors if possible. The sights, sounds, and fresh air can naturally uplift your spirits and bring a sense of calm. Walk-and-talk therapy, as offered at Be BOLD, could be a good option to combine therapeutic support, fresh air, and movement.

Self-care doesn’t have to be elaborate; even a few minutes of conscious rest and enjoyment can help replenish your mental energy.

7. Seek Professional Support at Be BOLD Psychology and Consulting

If post-election emotions feel heavy or unmanageable, reaching out for professional support can make a significant difference. Be BOLD Psychology and Consulting is a North Carolina-based practice committed to providing an affirming space for LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent individuals. Our therapists offer virtual appointments for clients across North Carolina, creating a space where you can explore your emotions in a supportive environment.

Therapy at Be BOLD can provide tailored strategies for managing post-election stress and coping with feelings of anger, anxiety, or sadness. Our team is here to empower you through these challenging times and to ensure you feel seen, supported, and safe.

Take the Next Step Toward Healing

Navigating post-election emotions is a journey, and you don’t have to go through it alone. Be BOLD Psychology and Consulting offers immediate openings for those in need of support. Whether you’re experiencing heightened anxiety, frustration, sadness, or a mix of emotions, we’re here to help.

Schedule a free 20-minute consultation with us to start your healing journey and connect with a therapist who truly understands your experience. We are here to support clients virtually in North Carolina and Virginia, and offer therapy in Durham, North Carolina.

Visit Be BOLD Psychology and Consulting’s appointment page to take that first step today.

To get started you can also:

Call or text: 919-525-1873

Email: Info@beboldpsychnc.com

We can’t wait to meet you!