After the Election: Healing the Pain

We know where you are right now: scared, hurt, alarmed, uncertain, excited, and frustrated. We know—we are there too. This election has been tough on all of us, regardless of where we fall on the political spectrum. It has been polarizing, dividing, and agitating. But, above all—it has been exhausting.

Here are some words of encouragement and support from our therapists:

Amanda Craig, PhD, LMFT

The election was either a high filled with triumph or a low filled with fear.  And that leaves a division between everyday people.  How we choose to handle the election results is up to each of us to decide.  What we know for sure is that our actions and reactions will impact one another. What we don’t want is to get stuck in anger, fear and hate.

None of us can predict what will happen next.  If we are open-minded about the future, we will find in the situation an opportunity for growth, empowerment, enlightenment and rise in consciousness. We might lean into something bigger and get inspired. 

But, this can only happen if we choose to handle ourselves with grace, hope, and open-mindedness, just like Hillary did! 

And, if things go south: we will take a stand, use our voice, join together with other like-minded people, and make a movement of peace, change, courage, and hope.

Kimberly Kuskovsky, MFT

Many are feeling angry about the future of our country right now.  There is an urgent need to do something, get back in control, and express our anger. 
 
Anger can be all-consuming and destructive, so it’s important to understand it.  Connect with others to share the burden of fear, anxiety, devastation, and hopelessness, but also to share your hopes, dreams and vision for the future.
 
Finally, to gain back some control, get educated and involved in the causes important to you.  Learn about how to serve your community on the local level, volunteer with human rights organizations, donate to the causes that may suffer as a result of the change in administration.  Dedicate your time and effort into creating the change you want.


Angie Sadhu, MFT                                                                                            

Our capacity for compassion and hope and the resiliency of the human spirit all but guarantee our ability to meet the challenges of the future. While this may be a time of great uncertainty and worry for many, there are just as many reasons to be optimistic about the future! Collectively we are powerful and poised to make a difference!

As President Obama has urged us in the 2016 State Of The Union address: “To face the future with confidence, believing in what we stand for and in the incredible things that we can do together.” May this be our sustaining fortitude and grace! 


Debra O’Donnell, LCSW  LMFT

Respect your feelings.  If you are sad, be sad.  If you are angry, let yourself be angry.  Give yourself time.  Your feelings are a barometer and can guide you toward action.
 
Look for people who share your values.  Talk.  Listen. 
 
Look for people with whom you disagree.  Talk.  Listen. 
 
Decide how to go forward.  What’s right for you?  A support group?  An action group?  Spiritual counsel?  There are many actions you can take, public and/or private.  The important point is not to stay stuck.
 
Look for a greater meaning.   What can you learn from this?

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Be the change you and your children want to see in the world!

Check out www.GenerationOn.com and get involved!

"generationOn, the youth division of Points of Light, is dedicated to providing programs and resources that support the development of caring, compassionate and capable kids and teens. Points of Light -- the world's largest organization dedicated to volunteer service - inspires, equips and mobilizes millions of people to take action that is changing the world."