Overcoming post-election anxiety
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO) - Tuesday was election day for our country and the whole process of an election, along with the results, can leave some people with anxiety.Election day is the culmination of months and even years of politicians trying to get your vote.People then cast their vote on what they believe is best for their community and country.But when an election ends, and the results are announced, it can make some people feel uneasy.Hali Nurnburg, LPC and executive director of the Counseling & Education Center, said, “Human beings have emotional experiences. A lot of times those emotions are played upon by elected officials or candidates or people who have any motivation to get us to do something in order to motivate us to get out and vote and to vote for them.” If your candidate happened to lose, it’s ok to feel a lot of different emotions.Said Nurnberg, “If you are one of those people who woke up and weren’t excited about the results this morning, I just want to give you permission to feel the way you’re feeling, however that is, and to take some space to experience that emotion.” After taking some space to experience that emotion, get back into a normal routine.Said Nurnberg, “Things that we can do are to engage in healthy distractions. So getting outside, going for a walk, going to work, doing the things that kind of take up your day and allow you to have a sense of normalcy or routine.” Surrounding yourself with those that support and love you is also important.During the holidays with family, you can talk about politics if it is done in the right manner.Said Nurnberg, “Give each other space for differences, right? So to come together and say, you know, we may not agree, but still affirm our love and support and care for those people despite disagreements. If we feel that there is safety in the relationship and then the strength of the relationship, then it gives space to have a conversation. But if there’s no safety, there’s no point in the conversation.”