If you’re experiencing complex emotions after Election Day, you’re not alone. Many voters are navigating anger, confusion, disappointment, grief, even fear.
In the immediate aftermath of a fraught election, here are just a few ways to manage uncertainty.
‘Bring the horizon forward’
Vice President for Enrollment and Student Services Dr. Melynda Huskey oversees counseling and other student support at Western Washington University. She said Western’s counselors are talking about “the same set of things we would talk about when folks are faced with any big change” — especially one rife with uncertainties.
“We have some evidence of what people have said might change, but really, it’s too soon for us to really know — and that is a very hard place to be in,” Husky said. “We’re fearing the worst.”
To combat a sense of powerlessness, Western’s counselors advise people to “bring the horizon forward” and focus on what’s in their power today. By creating a personal “framework of order,” people will eventually have the space to handle bigger chaotic issues.
“What am I going to do this week? What are some concrete actions that I can take?” Huskey asked. “Am I really paying attention to my physical needs? Am I hydrating? Am I sleeping? Am I exercising? Am I keeping to my routine?”
Calm your nervous system
Lee Casey is a licensed mental health counselor with a private practice in Bellingham. In times of heightened emotional tension, they noted it’s important to not disregard the physical impacts of stress.
“If our bodies are continuing to freak out and be dysregulated, no amount of logic or rationale or anything is going to solve that,” Casey said. “We have to go through the body first.”
Immediately available resources include mindfulness and meditation podcasts, apps and even simple breathing techniques. Community resources like Mindfulness Northwest and the Bellingham Shambhala Center offer in-person programs for mindfulness and meditation. And Bellingham Treehouse Yoga has by-donation community yoga classes Tuesdays and Thursdays at Lost Giants Cider Co.
Engage with nature
Going for a walk in nature, either alone or with a loved one, combines movement and mindfulness practices. Huskey said it’s best to leave phones at home — not just for the social media break, but to fully tune into ambient sights and sounds.
“Engaging your senses in the natural world is an incredibly powerful self-care tool,” she continued. “It’s within the grasp of almost everyone to be in nature — even if it’s a park or your own yard.”
Bellingham residents don’t have to leave the city to get into nature: A comprehensive guide to local trails is available at cob.org.
Lean on community
In addition to solo self-care, “Anything that’s going to help to connect with other people and humanity is going to generally be a helpful thing — because you’re not in it alone,” Casey said. They noted that LGBTQ+ people can look to local groups, such as the Bellingham Queer Collective’s Q Center, for support.
Individuals and families living with a mental health condition can seek out NAMI Whatcom‘s regular support groups. For those seeking religious community, Echoes hosts regular events — including Pub Church, Creative Church and Dinner Church — in nontraditional worship settings.
Huskey also recommended reaching out to supportive friends or family: “We encourage people to spend time with people that they love, people who love them back, people who can be supportive and caring,” she said, “rather than moving immediately to debate and argument.”
Create positive impact
Pain, anger and grief can be channeled into constructive action. Casey cited Rebecca Solnit’s 2004 book “Hope in the Dark,” wherein the author defines hope as a continuous practice, separate from passive optimism:
“Hope is not a lottery ticket you can sit on the sofa and clutch, feeling lucky,” Solnit wrote. “It is an axe you break down doors with in an emergency.”
But “action” doesn’t only mean participating in political causes. Huskey said finding ways to make a positive community impact — no matter how small — can help folks manage larger stressors.
“Is that volunteering? Is that getting engaged in your neighborhood or in your community? Is it reaching out to someone you know to see if they need anything?” she said. “Joining an organization, or finding those places where you can have an impact that is positive on the people who are around you, can be really helpful.”
Don’t disregard the small stuff
Huskey said “little tiny acts of kindness” go a long way in times of collective stress,
“Holding the door, making space, letting someone go ahead of you in the grocery line … Very small acts of kindness can have a significant impact in easing someone’s day,” she continued. “And that is within everyone’s power.”
As America reckons with its new reality, it’s important for voters to let themselves feel and process subsequent emotions. But Casey also finds solace in moments of everyday beauty — moments that will remain constant, regardless of who’s in the White House.
“People are still making art. People are still writing poetry,” they said. “We can continue to experience happiness, joy and awe — and hope.”
Washington residents experiencing a mental health crisis can call or text 988 to connect with the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Info: hca.wa.gov.
Cocoa Laney is CDN’s lifestyle editor; reach her at cocoalaney@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 128.
