The 2016 Presidential Election and Mental Health

OP-ED

OP-ED

The 2016 Presidential Election and Mental Health

The end of the 2016 presidential election marked the conclusion of

a period unlike any other in recent years. The contentious, bitter,

and often hate filled rhetoric has created a level of anxiety, stress

and even depression among many Americans that will likely have

long-term consequences. The practice of civil discourse seemed

all but lost in the theatrics. The emotional toll that this election has had on

the human psyche cannot be underestimated.

Many women, Hispanics, African Americans, Muslims and Jews have voiced

concerns that this election has unleashed negative and stereotypical

perceptions of their respective groups. The negativity has loosed the

hidden contempt of many and given them license to engage in hateful

speech and actions directed at many hard working members of minority

groups and women.

The Southern Poverty Law Center has noted the upswing in verbal

harassment, the use of slurs and derogatory language, and disturbing

incidents involving swastikas, Nazi salutes and Confederate flags. The

overtly misogynistic tone of the election, finds many victims of sexual

assault painfully reliving their pasts.

Increased bullying and unrestrained bigotry have been reported as

occurring in the classroom and even in the boardroom. The Southern

Poverty Law Center reports that immediately after the election, 90% of

educators reported that the school climate has been negatively affected,

raising concern about the long-lasting impact. Eighty percent describe

heightened student anxiety and concern for themselves and their families.

Many employers are taking this opportunity to reexamine their policies on

harassment to avoid a hostile work environment.

As have many of you, I, too, have been feeling some of this angst. Even

family members and friends have expressed worry about the election and

anxiety regarding the outcome.

A recent Politico survey described 90% of respondents as having

reported emotional distress, citing the election as having a worse impact

than any other in the past. Worried about what their respective futures

might look like, many people have begun talking about their election angst

with mental health professionals.

For those who choose to manage on your own, here are some helpful

tips:

First, look at managing your environment:

• Your physical surrounding

Is your physical world one that promotes calm or does it promote

chaos? Maintaining a sense of order can provide you with a stronger

sense of control of your world. Adults and children thrive in an organized

environment—one that is calm and nurturing.

• The information you allow into your brain

Do you watch the kind of programs that are anxiety provoking or even

violent? Is the news you watch an angry version of reality? Do you find

yourself getting into word battles on Facebook or through text messages,

twitter or email? Instead, make a point to surround yourself and your

children with the kind of information that stimulates curiosity, provokes

thought, and evokes gratitude.

• The people in your life

Be conscious of the people you bring into your world—or let stay there.

Let’s face it, relationships can be healthy or they can be toxic. As a mental

health professional, I can promise you this, the environment in which you

live and the people you surround yourself with have the capability to help

you stress less and live more abundantly.

Next, manage your emotions.

• Be more positive.

There are many ways to add positivity in your life. They are things like

practicing gratitude, exercising on a regular basis, or spending money

on experiences. Unlike spending money on stuff, spending money on

experiences, such as a “guilt free” dinner out, or a weekend getaway, gives

you something to look forward to and something to remember long after

the stuff has lost its usefulness.

• Move forward.

It sounds so simple, yet can have a profound impact on your sense of self,

your level of stress and your experience of joy. Don’t get stuck in a rut.

Focus on your future by setting a goal. Whether it’s a small goal, a big goal

or a medium-sized goal, you will have something to work towards day-byday

knowing a sense of accomplishment lies at the end.

No matter your political party or choice of candidate, the 2016 presidential

election cycle has been far from easy. Starting now would be a good time to

focus on your mental health and emotional wellbeing. This will likely bring

you some much-needed peace and a healthier life perspective.

Danita Johnson Hughes, Ph.D.

President and CEO Edgewater Systems and

Author of The Unapologetic Woman

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