Tips for a range of post-election emotions, according to experts

A mostly of Americans were stressed earlier Election Day, and now post-election, emotions are still moving high for galore crossed nan country. 

Experts opportunity Americans pinch varying governmental views whitethorn beryllium flooded pinch emotion successful nan aftermath of nan predetermination results, from pridefulness and optimism to disappointment, vexation and moreover fear.

"Feelings of, 'How did this happen?' are apt wide and would person been whichever measurement nan ballot had gone. For many, these beardown emotions bespeak nan heightened stakes of what has been called 1 of nan astir important elections successful U.S. history, arsenic group contemplate what nan results mean for their values, communities and hopes for nan future," Chaitali Sinha, scientist and main objective investigation and improvement serviceman astatine intelligence wellness app Wysa, told CBS News. 

If you're personification looking to amended header pinch heightened emotions astir nan election, present are immoderate tips according to experts.  

Coping pinch predetermination results, loss

Know you're not alone: "It's wholly normal for group to consciousness a consciousness of nonaccomplishment aliases fearfulness erstwhile predetermination results don't align pinch their hopes," Sinha said, adding these emotions tin "take a toll connected intelligence health," making coping strategies important.

Use happy, patient distractions: "Engaging successful self-care activities, specified arsenic spending clip outdoors, exercising aliases connecting pinch supportive friends tin connection alleviation and a break from nan stress," Sinha said. 

Grounding techniques for illustration heavy breathing, journaling aliases simply naming your emotions to thief process them tin besides beryllium helpful, she said. 

Once you're emotion calmer, redirecting your power into actions tin thief you consciousness much empowered, according to Dr. Michele Nealon, objective scientist and president of The Chicago School. This could see taking a walk, reference a book, volunteering aliases uncovering different ways to lend positively. 

"Acknowledging your feelings and focusing connected what you tin power tin easiness accent and bring backmost a consciousness of power and purpose," Nealon said.

Limit doomscrolling: "It is important to return a break from nan news," Sinha said. 

Psychiatrist Dr. Sue Varma recently told CBS News she suggests mounting a timer connected societal media apps to set boundaries connected telephone notifications.

"It's really important to person and carve retired ineffable spaces passim your time wherever you don't person changeless notifications," she said. 

Seek thief if needed: For those emotion particularly overwhelmed, talking to a intelligence wellness master tin besides supply guidance — and immoderate are already leaning connected organizations that tin help. 

The Trevor Project, for example, reported Tuesday that nan LGBTQ+ youth-focused intelligence wellness statement saw a astir 200% summation successful speech topics related to nan predetermination crossed its situation services successful nan days starring up to nan results. 

Tips for navigating family who voted differently 

With Thanksgiving astir nan corner, immoderate are already worried astir governmental differences making family gatherings consciousness tense.

Sinha warns nary bully comes from heated governmental arguments pinch your family members. 

"Approach these interactions pinch curiosity and empathy wherever possible, alternatively than judgment, nary matter really challenging that whitethorn feel," she advised. "Try to perceive actively and find communal crushed connected shared values, moreover if your governmental beliefs differ."

If that's not possible, mounting boundaries tin help.

This tin looking for illustration politely steering nan taxable elsewhere if a speech gets to heated aliases uncomfortable aliases simply measurement away.

Mental wellness resources post-election

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

If you aliases personification you cognize is successful affectional distress aliases a suicidal crisis, you tin scope the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling aliases texting 988. You tin also chat pinch nan 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline here.

The National Alliance connected Mental Illness HelpLine

For much accusation about mental wellness attraction resources and support, The NAMI HelpLine tin beryllium reached Monday done Friday, 10 a.m.–10 p.m. ET, astatine 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) aliases email astatine info@nami.org.

The Trevor Project

For LGBTQIA+ younker looking for free, confidential situation support, telephone 1-866-488-7386, matter 'START' to 678-678 aliases visit their website to chat pinch a gender-affirming and queer-friendly counselor. 

Veterans' Crisis Line

Call 988 past property 1, matter 838255 aliases chat online here. 

Substance maltreatment support

Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous person resources connected their website, including virtual meetings. 

SAMHSA's National Helpline for intelligence and/or constituent usage disorders tin beryllium reached astatine 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

In:
• Election
• Mental Health
• 2024 Elections