The Impact of Post-Election Culture on Mental Health: Navigating Anxiety and Trauma

Feeling overwhelmed or tense after the election? You’re not alone. No matter which side of the results you’re on, the post-election period often brings an emotional wave that can feel impossible to escape. In recent years, cultural and political divides seem more intense than ever, leaving many of us feeling drained, anxious, and even questioning our sense of belonging or security. Here’s the truth: election seasons don’t just end on voting day—these events impact our daily lives, relationships, and mental well-being long after the results are announced.

Let’s explore how post-election culture affects mental health and what you can do to process these emotions, reclaim a sense of peace, and stay connected to what matters most.

Post-Election Anxiety and Trauma: Why Do We Feel This Way?

For many people, elections are more than just politics—they’re tied to deeply held beliefs and identities. Whether it’s concerns about equality, safety, or environmental policies, election results can create feelings of uncertainty, frustration, or even loss. 

According to the American Psychological Association, political and cultural stressors are real drivers of anxiety, especially when people feel that core values or rights are being challenged. This stress can trigger trauma responses, particularly in individuals from marginalized groups or those who’ve experienced past injustices.

Cultural and Community Impacts: A Closer Look

The way cultural identity intersects with post-election stress can also be profound. Members of certain communities may experience heightened anxiety about how policies could affect their lives directly, from economic security to healthcare access. 

Studies show that people from marginalized communities, including BIPOC and LGBTQ+ groups, report more severe post-election stress, feeling an amplified impact on their day-to-day lives and sense of safety. This kind of sustained stress often makes people feel tense or hyper-aware, leading to what mental health professionals refer to as “chronic trauma responses.”

How to Cope: Tips for Reclaiming Your Peace

If election results have left you feeling anxious, disconnected, or uncertain, there are ways to navigate these emotions and feel more grounded. Here are some trauma-sensitive, culturally-informed strategies:

1. Recognize and Validate Your Feelings: First, give yourself permission to feel what you’re feeling—be it anger, sadness, or anxiety. These emotions are valid, and acknowledging them is the first step to coping. Try journaling or speaking with someone who “gets it” and can validate your experience.

2. Limit Media Consumption: While staying informed is important, constant news updates can overwhelm you, leaving you feeling anxious and helpless. Consider setting boundaries on news and social media use, perhaps by checking updates just once a day or turning off notifications. Studies show that intentional media use can significantly reduce anxiety and improve mood.

3. Stay Connected to Supportive People: Seek out conversations with people who respect and support you, even if they don’t share the same political beliefs. Feeling connected can help you process your thoughts and reduce feelings of isolation. You might even try finding a supportive community group—many people find solace in collective spaces where they can openly discuss their concerns and fears.

4. Seek Trauma-Informed Therapy: If the post-election period has brought up past trauma or intensified your anxiety, working with a trauma-informed therapist can provide you with coping tools to manage these feelings. Therapists trained in culturally-sensitive approaches recognize the impact of cultural and social contexts on mental health and can help you explore ways to regain emotional balance.

5. Practice Grounding Techniques: Stress responses can make you feel out of control, but grounding techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness, or even a short walk can help bring you back to the present. Grounding exercises are shown to reduce anxiety and are a powerful tool for those experiencing election-related trauma.

Reclaiming Your Well-being in a Post-Election World

Remember, feeling this way doesn’t mean you’re weak or overreacting—it’s a natural response to an intense experience. A trauma-informed, culturally sensitive approach to mental health can help you process these emotions and develop the resilience you need. 

If you’re ready for extra support, reaching out to a therapist can be a transformative step toward emotional healing. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, trauma, or just the uncertainty of a post-election world, therapy can help you find balance and rebuild your sense of control.

Resources:

• American Psychological Association (APA). "Stress in America: The State of Our Nation."
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). "Trauma-Informed Care in Behavioral Health Services."
• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). "Anxiety Disorders."