Election emotions are filling our newsfeeds and our minds. In my Facebook LIVE this week discusses what we need to do to feel in control. No matter who you voted for, you’re likely feeling anxiety and confusion. So many people are reacting in very intense ways. This impacts you and your family. This impacts all of us, but there is something you can do for your emotional well-being and those around you during this hectic time. Watch this video to feel powerful in the wake of all the election drama.
Overcoming Election Anxiety
In a time like this, we need to feel powerful, even in times of uncertainty and high anxiety you can do things to feel in control. Promoting hate is not what our country needs. We need to come together, not push each other away. As a result of the election, so many people on social media are promoting more fear, but that only makes us feel more powerless. Be mindful of the media you are consuming. If you feel icky or anxious after you scroll through Facebook, maybe take a day off. You give away your power when you give into drama and fearful messages.
The first thing that we need to remember is that all emotions matter, you can be angry or upset, you are allowed. You are absolutely allowed to feel your emotions. If you have friends that are having a hard time, reach out to them and validate them.
Second, change is scary, it always is. But we are powerful and can tolerate change. The future might look scary or daunting, but we will get through this together. Look at all the people who are helping instead of focusing on the unknown and the people perpetuating fear.
Third, you may not have the same beliefs or opinions as another person, but we can all agree that we are humans. The best way to feel empowered is to do something kind for other people. We can change our nation when we are filled with kindness and love rather than anger and hate. This is a time for us to come together and speak for those that cannot defend themselves. If you see something! If you see bullying, speak up, alert the police if needed. Being a bystander is just as bad as being a bully. Silence reinforces the behavior. Be better, be the change.
There are a lot of people that are feeling marginalized right now, but through your kindness, you can help. Reach out to those that are feeling afraid and let them know that you are an ally and are there to listen to their worries and anxieties. There is power in kindness.
And finally, remember that fear and freaking out are different. You are allowed to be afraid; this is a scary and confusing time. Feeling is not a choice, but freaking out is an action and a choice. All it does is spread more hate, anxiety, and stress. Ranting, raving, and putting the negativity in the world, only makes our nation more divided and makes people more anxious. We cannot avoid how the days since the election have brought out the worst in many. It’s understandable to feel the way you feel. But, actively freaking out will not only affect your health but those around you.
Be mindful of your words, show kindness to others, spread love, and you will feel more in control of your life and will feel so much better. We will all get through these election emotions together.
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Emily Roberts MA, LPC is The Guidance Girl. Her goal is to help YOU become the most confident person you know! Emily is an award-winning author Express Yourself: A Teen Girls Guide to Speaking Up and Becoming Who You Are, Psychotherapist, TV & Media Contributor, Educational Speaker, and parenting consultant. She travels around the country educating girls, women, and parents. Express Yourself is available at bookstores nationwide and on Amazon. To learn more about Emily click here.
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