Navigating Election Stress: Tips from a Trauma Therapist in Atlanta
Election seasons stir something deep within us—an undercurrent of anticipation, urgency, and at times, a sense of helplessness. The weight of political decisions can leave us feeling overwhelmed, caught between our hopes for change and the anxiety of uncertainty. As a trauma therapist in Atlanta, I’ve sat with many who carry this burden, witnessing their fears, frustrations, and the quiet unraveling that often accompanies political unrest. There’s something profoundly human in this mix of emotions, and through this reflection, I hope to offer clarity on how we can navigate these turbulent times with a little more ease and understanding.
1. Embracing the Reality of Your Emotions
We often push away the emotions that feel too big, too difficult to bear. Election stress is one of those experiences that can sweep us off our feet, making us feel as if we should “keep it together” or not let it affect us. But what if we allowed ourselves to simply feel? To acknowledge that fear, anger, or helplessness? There’s power in that honesty. Let yourself pause, breathe, and notice what emotions surface. This isn’t about judgment, but about creating space to honor what’s real for you.
2. Cultivating Boundaries with Media
The constant flood of information can feel like a storm we’re not equipped to weather. The news cycle, social media updates, and endless debates all demand our attention, pulling us in directions that heighten anxiety. What would it be like to intentionally step back? To choose moments of stillness instead of being swept up in the noise? By setting limits on how often we engage with the media, we can protect our emotional health and create a buffer between ourselves and the chaos. It’s okay to disconnect, to be intentional about what you allow into your mental space.
3. Rediscovering Self-Care as Grounding
Self-care is a term that gets thrown around a lot, but what does it really mean for you? In these moments of heightened stress, it’s more than just something pleasant to do—it’s a way to ground yourself, to return to a sense of safety within. Whether it’s stepping outside to feel the breeze on your skin, meditating, or finding a creative outlet, ask yourself: What do I need right now? The small, daily rituals of care remind us that we are still here, that we are still whole, even when the world feels unpredictable.
4. Navigating Conversations with Intention
Politics can ignite strong feelings, and conversations about it can quickly become emotionally charged. But it’s possible to engage without feeling drained. Choose your spaces wisely—places where respect and openness are prioritized. And if the conversation begins to erode your peace, know that you can pause or walk away. Setting boundaries in these dialogues isn’t a retreat from engagement, but an act of self-preservation, a way to protect your emotional well-being while still holding space for the values you hold dear.
5. Grounding Yourself in the Present Moment
When everything feels uncertain, we often lose ourselves in the “what-ifs” of the future, overwhelmed by possibilities we can’t control. Grounding techniques can help anchor you back into the present. A deep breath, the sensation of your feet on solid ground, the textures and sounds around you—these small acts can reconnect you with the present, reminding you that in this moment, you are safe. This practice of mindfulness is not about escaping the world but about finding calm within it.
6. Focusing on What You Can Control
It’s easy to get lost in the vastness of things beyond our control—elections, policies, other people’s choices. But if you shift your attention to what is within your control, it can ease some of the mental strain. Voting, participating in community efforts, or simply being informed in a way that feels empowering rather than draining—these are the actions that bring a sense of agency. What can you do, here and now, that reflects your values and helps you move forward?
7. Seeking Professional Support When It Feels Overwhelming
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, the stress feels too heavy to bear alone. And that’s okay. Reaching out for support is not a sign of weakness; it’s an act of strength. Trauma therapists, particularly those who understand the complex emotions stirred by political climates, can offer guidance. In Atlanta, many individuals have found solace in therapy, a space to explore their anxiety, identify deeper triggers, and develop ways to cope. You don’t have to carry this alone.
8. Leaning on Your Support Network
The isolation that comes with anxiety can make election stress feel even more suffocating. Reaching out to friends, family, or a supportive community can make all the difference. Not for more debate, but for understanding, for connection. What would it feel like to share your experience, to be heard without judgment? Sometimes, just knowing that others are navigating this emotional terrain alongside you can lift some of the weight.
9. Honoring Your Need to Step Away
Finally, it’s okay to take a break. The world will continue turning, and stepping away from it all doesn’t mean you care any less. In fact, it can be an act of caring—for yourself. Unplugging, whether for a few hours or a full day, can provide the reset you need. The pressure of constant engagement can pull us apart; finding moments of peace allows us to come back to ourselves, grounded and ready to face the next step.
Election stress is real, and it touches something deep in our collective experience. But we can navigate it thoughtfully, with curiosity about our own responses and compassion for ourselves. As we move through these moments of tension, it’s possible to stay engaged without losing ourselves in the process. And if it ever feels like too much, know that there’s support available. I provide individual therapy to those who are physically located in Georgia. I would be happy to hear about what is happening and share with you how I can help. You can request a free 15-minute phone consultation by clicking here. I specialize in helping trauma survivors feel calm; overwhelmed and depressed women to find peace amid the chaos and sadness; anxious people feel safe and worry less; toxic relationship survivors feel more confident; and parents raising a traumatized child feel less traumatized by difficult behaviors.
