The aftermath of the 2024 U.S. presidential election has been an emotional rollercoaster for many of us. Regardless of who you voted for or what outcome you were hoping for, it's completely normal to feel a heightened sense of anxiety or even despair. The uncertainty of what's ahead, combined with the deep polarization we face as a nation, can create an overwhelming mental burden.
If you’re feeling anxious, depressed, or just unsure about how to move forward, know that you are not alone—many people are feeling this way. In this post, we want to explore some ways to help you cope, heal, and find a renewed sense of hope. Let's walk this path together.
Elections can be emotionally taxing. The American Psychological Association's recent survey tells us that 77% of adults in the United States are stressed about the nation's future—that's nearly eight out of ten people. It doesn't matter whether your candidate won or lost; the political climate can leave all of us feeling a bit shaken. These intense emotions are real, and it's okay to acknowledge them. (American Psychological Association, 2024 Stress in America Survey).
The truth is, the polarization we’re experiencing can make post-election feelings even more intense. If you're on the losing side, it might feel as if the values you believe in have been dismissed. This can be incredibly triggering, leading to a deep sense of grief, anxiety, and even depression. But here’s the thing: you’re allowed to feel what you’re feeling. And there are ways to help ease the weight of these emotions.
One of the most effective ways to navigate these emotions is by talking about them with a professional. Therapy provides a safe space to process your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Whether you’re new to therapy or have been seeing a therapist for years, having someone to help you make sense of things can be life-changing. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is especially effective in managing anxiety and depression, helping you reshape those looping negative thoughts that might feel all-consuming right now. (WebMD - Coping with Election Anxiety).
In times of heightened stress, it’s so important to return to the basics of self-care. Simple things like taking a walk outside, eating nourishing foods, and ensuring you get enough sleep can make a world of difference. Treat yourself with kindness and compassion—your body and mind are doing the best they can to cope. As the Mayo Clinic emphasizes, lifestyle changes such as regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, and sufficient rest are foundational in keeping our mental health on track. (Mayo Clinic - Managing Depression with Lifestyle Changes).
It can be hard to feel hopeful when everything seems overwhelming, but it’s helpful to remember that people have been through challenging times before—and they survived. Our world has weathered countless storms, and every time, people found a way to persevere. This election is another moment in our shared history where we must lean on our resilience, knowing that this too shall pass. We are stronger than we often give ourselves credit for. (Psychology Today - Building Resilience).
Mindfulness is a wonderful way to ground yourself in the present moment and reduce overwhelming feelings about the future. It’s as simple as taking a few deep breaths or noticing the sounds around you. Practicing mindfulness can help you step back from anxious thoughts and reconnect with a sense of calm. The University of California, Berkeley has put together some excellent resources on mindfulness practices, which can be a great place to start. (UC Berkeley - Coping with Election Anxiety).
Mindful Tip: Even a short walk in nature or a moment of stillness can bring immediate relief. Compassion or loving-kindness meditation is also helpful in times of social tension, as it promotes empathy for ourselves and others.
Sometimes, it’s all about perspective. While it’s completely natural to feel lost in negativity, there’s power in trying to shift our perspective to see opportunities for growth. This doesn’t mean dismissing your feelings, but rather, finding a way to reframe them. Maybe this moment of discomfort can be an opportunity to connect with others, get involved in your community, or take care of yourself in ways you’ve put off for too long. There is beauty in realizing that we are constantly evolving—and that includes how we respond to life’s challenges. (Psychology Today - Shifting Perspectives).
For some, traditional methods of coping may not be enough. That’s where innovative treatments like ketamine therapy can play an important role. Ketamine therapy has shown promise in treating depression and anxiety, especially for those who haven't found relief through other treatments. Studies conducted at Harvard University show that ketamine can offer rapid relief for symptoms that otherwise feel unmanageable. It’s a treatment that provides hope when hope feels hard to come by. (Harvard Gazette - Ketamine Therapy for Depression).
<a name="ga-election-offer"></a>At Golden Afternoon Ketamine Clinic, we understand the toll that anxiety and depression can take. Our mission is to help you find the relief you deserve, using evidence-based therapies like ketamine to shift your perspective and ease the pain you’re experiencing.
Special Offer: To help support your journey, we’re offering $250 off for new clients—this discount can be applied to a single session or a treatment package. We want to make your journey toward healing as accessible as possible. This offer is available until December 1.
The aftermath of the election can feel isolating, but remember that you are far from alone. So many of us are struggling to make sense of the emotions that come with such a polarized climate. Therapy, mindfulness, self-care, and innovative treatments like ketamine therapy are all tools that can help you navigate these challenging times. Healing takes time, but it is possible—one step at a time.
If you’re feeling lost or overwhelmed, we invite you to take the next step in your mental health journey. Reach out to Golden Afternoon Ketamine Clinic for a consultation. We’re here to support you—let’s work together to find the light on the other side of this challenging moment.
Our safe and integrative IV Ketamine sessions can help re-wire your neurons and are a proven treatment for depression, anxiety, PTSD, mood disorders and chronic pain.
