Post-election stress in a polarized environment can impact mental health, as heightened political conflict often leads to anxiety, fear, and social tensions. When strong feelings arise from polarized views, managing these emotions constructively can make a significant difference. Here are some strategies to cope with post-election stress and communicate effectively with those who hold opposing views.
Managing Post-Election Stress
- Limit News Exposure and Control Media Diet: Constantly consuming election news can intensify stress, especially when media sources present issues in a polarized way. Setting boundaries by limiting news to specific times can prevent emotional fatigue and maintain mental balance. Seeking balanced and factual content and avoiding extreme or sensational outlets can help keep stress levels in check and prevent negative spirals.
- Practice Mindfulness and Physical Activity: Mindfulness techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing, can reduce anxiety by helping you stay present rather than spiraling into “what if” scenarios. Physical activity, like walking, yoga, or even light exercise, boosts endorphins and lowers stress.
- Engage in Positive Activities: Focusing on activities that are enjoyable or have a positive purpose can help redirect your energy from post-election stress to more constructive pursuits. Activities like creative hobbies, community service, or connecting with positive political action can provide a sense of purpose and distract from lingering political concerns.
- Connect with Supportive People and Set Boundaries: Support networks are crucial, but it’s also important to set boundaries with those who might initiate stressful political discussions. Politely let friends or family know if you prefer not to discuss politics and steer conversations toward shared interests to maintain positive interactions.
Communicating with People with Opposing Political Views
- Listen Actively and Practice Empathy: When discussing politics, focus on listening actively and trying to understand the other person’s perspective. While you may disagree, empathizing with their concerns can open dialogue and reduce animosity. Engaging without immediate rebuttals or judgments helps create a safer, more respectful environment for open conversation.
- Establish Clear Boundaries: If political conversations become tense, it’s okay to set boundaries. Politely and firmly express that you would rather avoid discussing politics to maintain a positive relationship. Redirect the conversation to neutral topics, such as shared hobbies or upcoming events, to preserve respect and connection.
- Identify Common Ground and Shared Goals: Finding areas of agreement, like community or family concerns, can help you focus on collective priorities. Recognizing that, despite political differences, many people ultimately want similar outcomes (such as security, prosperity, and well-being) can strengthen the relationship.
- Emphasize the Value of Diverse Perspectives: Instead of seeing different political views as a threat, acknowledge that diverse perspectives are vital in a democracy. Emphasizing shared values can reframe the discussion.
- Separate the person from their political beliefs: by seeing them first as a fellow human rather than as a representative of a particular ideology, you can engage in dialogue that is less about debate and more about understanding.
Here in Howard County, MD, we have a group based on Michael Smerconish’s Mingle Project – which states that it has a “mission to restore civility and compromise in public discourse” to address societal disconnect. Here’s the LINK.
Building Hope and Resilience Post-Election
In times of political tension, practicing gratitude for what remains positive in your life can help counterbalance feelings of frustration or fear. Taking positive actions in your community, such as volunteering or joining groups, can also promote well-being and a sense of control amid uncertainty.
There are 10 Free (for a limited time) books in this LINK, and some of them offer great wisdom and hope.
According to the Columbia Associations website, James Rouse built Columbia, MD as an “open community,” one that would “be a new model to overcome racial and economic discrimination and segregation.” Let us live by these Guiding Principles as members of an open community,, and not allow politics to interfere. By prioritizing compassion for self and others, empathy, and healthy boundaries, it’s possible to manage post-election stress and maintain positive relationships across political divides. In this way, individuals can contribute to a more understanding, respectful, and resilient society.
Jeannette Barber, LCSW-C has been a licensed psychotherapist for over 30 years, working in various settings. She trained other therapists while working for the largest mental health system in the state. Jeannette has been in private practice as the owner and practitioner of Guiding Path Therapy of Maryland LLC since 2018. For more information about her practice, visit https://www.jeannettebarber.com/.
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