Post-Election Stress?
Today is November 15 and the moon has been super full, like the energy here in the United States since the presidential election. How do we allow ourselves to “feel how we feel” about it while managing our day to day lives? Do you wonder how the energy is impacting you?
Stress and Mental Health
Stress can impact us in so many ways. I have spoken with people who report feeling suspicious of others, afraid to leave the house, increased or decreased eating and sleeping, depression, anxiety and feelings of confusion and being overwhelmed. These feelings are valid and you do not have to “move on.” Yet self care at this time is very important. The way to approach it is to honor how you are feeling by discussing it with a friend, family member, counselor, spiritual or religious leader.
An Article About Post Election Stress
A clear example of Post-Election stress can be found connected to this article from the the Denver Post, which ran the day after the election. I was featured in it along with many other mental health and counseling professionals.
Once it was published online, I read it, and then read the comments. They are intense to say the least. Yet I had to respond. I said “Emotions and feelings are important regardless of political orientation. The comments below present strong feelings. Everyone deals with feelings differently. We each get to choose the right way for us, thankfully.”
Stress
It is important to be aware of stress and how it is impacting us. If you are experiencing stress for an unusual amount of time that feels uncomfortable, please ask for help.
- Colorado Crisis phone number is 844-493-8255
- National Suicide Hotline is 800-273-8255
- Crisis Text Line
- Trevor Project serves lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth is
- Immigrant Legal Resource Center: Post-Election Talking Points and Resources
Please reach out and ask for support if you need it.