As the divisive 2016 presidential
election finally draws to a close, let’s all agree to breathe a collective sigh
of relief as we bid farewell to the most hostile and vicious campaigning many
of us have ever had the displeasure to experience. The constant negativity
associated with this election cycle has permeated our homes, workplaces,
neighborhoods and communities. It’s damaged marriages, families and
friendships. I’ve witnessed its toxic effects on the clients I see in my
practice. I’ve been deeply dismayed by the frustration, worry, outrage and
hopelessness expressed by so many of the people I’ve come in contact with
recently, both personally and professionally.
There are many reasons why the
2016 presidential contest will go down in history as the most stressful
election of our lives to date. Aside from the pre-existing deep divide in the
views of liberal and conservative Americans, the 24-hour news cycle, endless
exposure to intrusive and disturbing commercials and constant derisive commentary
on Facebook and other social media have kept most people stirred up to a fever
pitch with little respite.
As both a psychologist and
member of my community, I am gravely concerned about the adverse impact this
election has had on people’s emotional well-being and relationships. The
negative fall-out from conflicting political beliefs has caused serious
distress within couples and families and threatened friendships, collegiality
in the workplace and community cohesiveness. Campaign messages have highlighted
threats and security issues, mistrust, economic decline, gender, racial and
class divides, and narcissism and nastiness in people we are supposed to look
up to as our leaders. Many voters have experienced intense feelings of anger,
fear and discouragement compounded by the bitter arguments that have ensued
among people who usually care about and respect one another.
So, how do we recover from Post-Election
Traumatic Stress Disorder? First and foremost, avoid thinking the worst and
expecting imminent catastrophe. The peaceful transition of power, which happens
after every election, assures a comforting degree of stability. The
constitution and three branches of government limit political power, so
regardless of campaign promises, the wheels of government move ponderously, as
every newly minted president with lofty predictions for the first 100 days has
discovered the hard way. And if you don’t like who won, you can take some
comfort in term limits. Whether your candidate was the winner or loser, it is a
privilege to participate in a process that people have fought, sacrificed and
died for. I hope you exercised your right to vote and that you wore your “I
Voted” sticker with pride after you did so. If you are unhappy with the outcome
of the presidential election, focus instead on state and local results and
initiatives that went your way. Your vote DID matter. Limit your media
consumption if watching or reading about politics and the election is
disturbing to you. Exercise your power to change channels or push the “off
button.” Refuse to participate in contentious political exchanges with friends,
family, coworkers and neighbors, especially as the holidays approach. You can
always step away, change the subject or simply state that it’s not something
you want to talk about right now. Remember that nobody ever changed anyone
else’s mind with a Facebook post so declare your wall a politics-free zone.
Share good news, happy photos and cat videos to bring smiles to the faces of
everyone who reads your posts. If someone puts something rancorous on your
Facebook page, simply delete it. It’s your wall after all!
Political beliefs and voting
choices are only a part of who we are. Now that the election is over, reconnect
with those you care about who have disparate beliefs and voting habits by
focusing on your similarities and shared joys instead of your differences. And
remember, variety is the spice of life! Being married to or best friends with your
clone would be awfully dull. Relax, be playful and enjoy activities that have
absolutely nothing to do with politics. Watch a good movie or non-political
comedy show so you can laugh together. Life goes on, and there is so much to celebrate,
appreciate and look forward to, regardless of the outcome of this election.
