Post-Election Effects on Relationships and Mental Health
   This blog entry discusses the aftermath of the 2016 Presidential Election. It is not a political article, rather, it is an examination of how this election has affected people emotionally and relationally as a whole. The effects of the election are felt regardless of where you fall in the political spectrum.  In my lifetime, I have never seen an election have such a profound impact on the people of this country. Typically, after an election, some people are happier than others.  What happened in 2016 was much more profound.  In my work as a therapist and an observer of societal patterns, I have noticed the following relational and emotional effects from the 2016 election:
¡     --Changes in Relationships: This election has caused huge problems in relationships. People are cutting off from family and friends based on which side people fall on. Marriages are strained. Families are in conflict. The work place is tense. People are distancing themselves from certain friends or âunfriendingâ people on social media.  For some, the solidarity has brought some closer. But for the most part, this election has had a negative effect on relationships.  It is amazing that relationships have ended because of an election, but this election is very personal to many people. Personal enough that it is worth a relationship.
 ¡     --Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms: I canât tell you how many clients have reported nightmares, feeling on edge, panic attacks, fear of leaving the house, anxiety about the future, and paranoia. I have also seen some of these with family, friends, and coworkers. Children are even more susceptible to these symptoms if they see their parents or family members exhibiting these behaviors. Having these symptoms makes it difficult to carry out normal daily life and can interfere with work/school performance, care-giving, sleep, and overall daily functioning. When functioning is affected, stress increases which then exacerbates the original symptoms. It is a vicious cycle.
 ¡     --Anger: Again, it does not matter where you fall on the political spectrum, there is a lot of anger floating around on all ends. Certain groups of people are especially angry and there have also been acts of violence and vandalism. Seeing these acts of violence and vandalism only fuels more anger. It is another vicious cycle. Anger is a very powerful feeling and can envelope people into a cloud of negativity, causing unhappiness.Â
 ¡     -- Depression: Speaking of a cloud of negativity, depression symptoms are also apparent and appear, in my perspective, to be rising. Many people are feeling hopeless about the division of the country and moving forward for the future. Some groups of people are in despair wondering how this election and its possible changes may directly affect them.  Other groups of people are feeling depression due to relational distress or feeling judged by others for various reasons.
 ¡     -- Activation of Attachment Issues/Insecurities: Due to the increased relationship cut offs, it is not surprising that people are feeling a bit vulnerable in their relationships.  Attachment issues can create a lot of anxiety and stress and negatively affect relationships.  If a person is already struggling with insecurities/attachment issues, this election seems to have magnetized these issues.
    So now that we have reviewed all these effects, what do we do with them? There is no easy answer for this one. I have a few short tips which may be helpful to some people:
1.   Focus on the areas of your life that you enjoy and have control over. It is very easy to become consumed with the various areas that are out of onesâs control. By focusing on the areas of your life that you do have control over, you avoid being swallowed by the feeling of being out of control, which is very distressing. Examples of areas that you have control over include your reactions and behaviors, your day to day life, and personal decisions.Â
2.   Engage in as many activities that you enjoy with as many people that you care about as possible. Stay in the present and make your life as enjoyable as possible to distract and compensate from the issues going on.Â
3.   Share your experience and feelings with those around you that you trust. Talking with people you trust is very helpful and comforting, and it helps relieve emotional distress.Â
4.   To salvage relationships, agree to avoid political discussions if you differ. Instead of cutting off relationships altogether, you can make attempts to continue relationships by avoiding talk of politics.Â
5.   Avoid becoming obsessive with the news as it can increase already present anxiety, depression and PTSD symptoms. It is good to stay informed but too much information can exacerbate issues.Â
6.   Focus on each day as it comes and work on not focusing too much on the future. One day at a time. This may sound cliche but in times of chaos, breaking down the days (or hours even) can make it feel less anxiety provoking and less chaotic.Â
7.   Get involved in a healthy way if you feel it is helpful to you (ex: through an organization).
8.   Seek therapy if your symptoms are causing you major distress.
9.   Use all of your positive coping skills that you can on a daily basis. If you donât have many, consider exploring this further. Some examples of positive coping skills can be music, art, exercise, etc.Â
10. Try to see the beauty in everyday despite the chaos. Some examples include your child hugging you, your pet curling up on your lap, or the beauty of nature.Â
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