Election Results: Anger and Anxiety

It’s all over the news. America’s midterm election results are in and many are stressed about the various outcomes. Some have internalized it so greatly they can’t come to terms, becoming excessively angry and anxious. Why do some people have a harder time accepting their favored candidate’s loss?

It all comes down to point of view. We vote based on issues we’re passionate about, that if they don’t go our way, we believe it threatens our wellbeing. Suffering an election loss feels invalidating. Everyone is disappointed when their candidate or issue does badly at the ballot.

In this sense, a touch of anger and anxiety is understandable. It can drive us to find new ways to make a positive influence. But when does it become unhealthy?

It's about grieving.

When someone grieves an election loss in an unhealthy way it’s harder to put things in perspective. Government takes a long time to change, and the degree of change is not always dramatic - plus most people have been okay through a history of elections going one way or the other.

If people don’t consider these things it can make the loss seem more dire than it is. Then they might ruminate on the perceived consequences. An inability or reluctance to let go of what can’t be changed leads to bad behavior. This in turn can cause people to use words or worse for hurting others, themselves, and sometimes it even fractures relationships.

So, how do we grieve an election loss in a healthy way? 

The effect an election loss has on someone who deeply internalizes it can be a sense of self-unraveling. Things didn’t pan out how they thought they should. Anger comes about as a shield, because when people feel vulnerable and anxious they want to protect against negative emotions like a disappointment.

The grieving process turns productive when people accept their unhappiness with results, and then ask the question: how to begin healing? Creating a new way to think about things is what healthy grief is all about, and learning to be happy in new circumstances helps people move forward without the bitterness that leads to troublesome behavior.

Positive action is something to help people move forward in a proactive way. Empowerment may be just what the doctor ordered. Perhaps get involved in issues like participating in peaceful activism or simply learning/researching more about possible solutions. Or maybe your positive action is more internal: do your favorite self care routine, write in a journal, or create art.

Another thing which helps us move on is communication with a cool-headed confidant. Maybe a friend, family member, or neighbor with calm emotions and a pleasant disposition can give us another angle on things, or at least positively influence our mood and reduce anxiety.

If the anger and anxiety is truly disrupting your life, it’s time to reach out and find a trusted counselor to speak with. Sometimes a little guidance is all we need to find inner peace despite outer dissonance.

Bregman Medical Group has been around for decades treating anger issues, anxiety, depression, and many other mental health conditions. Our experienced doctors and counselors provide online psychiatry and therapy right to your device! Simply schedule an appointment at www.bregmanmd.com or call 305-740-3340.

References:

https://www.healthline.com/health-news/how-to-handle-post-election-anger#How-best-to-cope

https://news.stanford.edu/2016/11/11/elections-create-strong-emotions/

https://www.self.com/story/how-to-deal-with-anger