How to cope if you're seriously not okay with the US election results
Today's gloomy weather feels pretty appropriate, given that the US has elected a convicted felon (also accused of multiple incidences of sexual assault and convicted of sexual abuse) as its next president. For many, including those on this side of the pond, the news of Donald Trump's victory will be cause for concern and could have a genuine mental health impact over the coming weeks and months.
The election results are especially concerning for young women, given the rumoured Project 2025 plans linked to the Republican party and Trump's running mate, JD Vance, which hint at further restrictions on abortion rights in America and a push towards encouraging women to stay home and reproduce. It's a document Trump has said he isn't associated with, but the concerns still remain (especially given the number of former Trump advisors linked to it).
It can feel a little silly to admit you're genuinely stressed by the results of another country's election, but those fears (sadly) aren't unfounded – what happens in the US has a very real and tangible knock-on effect not only in the UK, and around the world. It's not silly to care or feel wounded by the message that having Trump in power sends or to feel concerned about what might happen next.
So, if you're feeling on edge following the election results, what can you do you to get through the next days, weeks and months? How can you avoid news cycle burnout and navigate thorny conversations with those who might be delighted at Trump's return? Cosmopolitan UK spoke to three experts ranging from the author of a book on picking yourself up when the world feels exceptionally horrible (hard relate) to a psychologist and a counsellor.
Is it normal to feel stressed by the US election results?
Honestly, yes. It's a personal response to a global issue and however you feel is very valid – especially in light of how US culture and politics impact on the UK. The build-up to the election and the global conflicts that have dominated headlines over the past year are also having a very real impact, says Tanith Carey, author of Feeling Blah? Why life has left you joyless and how to recapture its highs,
"It’s normal to feel worried. There's been a build-up of stress and worry about this election, over many months, on top of the political situation in the Middle East and Russia and Ukraine – this means our cortisol levels have been [steadily] rising," Carey explains, adding that the relentless news cycle means our brains rarely get a moment to reset.
Dr Rachael Molitor, a Chartered Psychologist and Lecturer at Coventry University, agrees – saying, "Our emotional responses to huge shifts, whether it be through natural disasters, economic climate, war, or political societal events often create a sense of uncertainty, anxiety and a disruption to our feelings and values." This can pile on the feelings of unease, creating an environment that humans aren't naturally designed to thrive in.
"Our brains are not happiness machines, they are survival machines," Carey says. "This means our brains take more notice of threats and give more attention to them [and bad news] rather than the good things happening in the world. Constantly raised cortisol gets in the way of the smooth running of our brain's reward system, where good feelings are made." Meaning: many of us are a tad deficient in feel-good chemicals like serotonin and dopamine right now, making us feel especially hopeless.
How to cope following the US election
Curate your social media feeds
Carey suggests taking time to think about what you're exposing your brain to. "Curate your social media feeds to only show responsible news sources, such as the BBC (which is less reliant on clicks), that put the news in perspective. Make sure to follow creators, authors and thinkers that inspire you to take a bigger picture view of life."
Channel anger into action
"Some of the topics relating to this election feel very pointed and personal, particularly to women," observes MBACP-registered psychotherapist Georgina Sturmer. "Giving this a voice can actually be helpful. If the election has stirred up your feelings, consider whether you can find an outlet for them. Speak to friends, draw on healthy coping mechanisms, and perhaps even channel them into campaigning or volunteering for a cause that matters to you." If you're looking for places to donate to, scroll down for some suggestions.
Actively seek out joy
Carey advises making fun plans today, that revolve around an activity that sparks joy for you – and focussing on not only the activity itself, but the build-up and appreciating it afterwards. "As part of my book, I spoke to neuroscientists who have discovered that joy is not one thing: it's three. It's anticipating good things, enjoying them in the moment and appreciating them after so you want to them again." Taking steps now, to plan a drive to the countryside with a friend or dinner at your favourite local spot, could help trigger a much-needed dopamine release, she adds.
Go analogue for a bit
Sturmer says a digital detox could be a helpful coping tool. "In a digital world, it might be helpful to have a more old-school analogue approach to our news consumption," she suggests. "In days gone by, we might have read the newspaper in the morning and then watched the headlines at 6pm. Consider how you can put boundaries in place to make your news consumption and social media use feel more like you are more in control."
What if my loved ones are happy about the election results...
Emotions are running high right now, the huge build-up has culminated in a divisive result and the dust won't settle for a while – and some of your loved ones might be feeling happy with the news of Trump regaining office. This could be tough if you feel the opposite way. So, how do you deal?
"Many political and social shifts, including elections, can bring out strong emotions amongst colleagues, friends and family; setting healthy boundaries with discussions in these areas can protect both mental health and relationships with others," says Dr Molitor. "Research shows that setting boundaries early around your desire to discuss topics can diffuse situations and reduce defensiveness." In terms of what exactly you can say, she recommends personalising the conversation, opting for 'I prefer not to discuss the election for now' rather than a flat out 'Let's not talk about politics'.
Sturmer adds that it can help to remember "we can't change how other people think and behave, but we can control how it makes us feel". On that front, her advice is to imagine an internal boundary that "helps you to stay connected with that friend, without allowing their political views to get in the way" – but she caveats that we all have personal 'red lines', in the form of topics and issues we simply cannot ignore.
"If these come up, you can consider how you want to address them. It can be helpful to use 'I statements' rather than 'you' to express your views, without making it feel accusatory," Sturmer suggests. "And perhaps deciding to 'agree to disagree' if it all becomes too much."
Equally, taking space and distance from someone is okay too, especially if they're not being respectful towards your feelings.
Channel your feelings
If you're passionate about getting active, one place to start it by donating to Planned Parenthood, an organisation that supports those wanting access to contraception, advice on family planning and anyone seeking a safe abortion (and much more). You can donate here.
You can also research protests to attend, write to your MP voicing your concerns (find out who yours is here) and create or share well-researched, thoughtful social media posts.
You Might Also Like
