Republican Donald Trump reclaimed the presidency in a decisive victory this week and is now set to serve in the White House for another four years.
If you’re one of the tens of millions of Americans who voted for Democrat Kamala Harris and believe Trump’s racist, fascist views do not represent yours, the days after the election may seem surreal or frightening.
Psychologists say it is normal to feel unsettled when half of the country appears to be living in a different reality from yours. In fact, research on negative thoughts has found that emotional acceptance — or acknowledging that your emotions right now are valid — can actually help you feel a little bit better.
But that doesn’t just mean resignation. Compartmentalizing, eating comfort foods, journaling or simply sitting in silence at home are all appropriate responses.
If you need to disengage from work, that’s OK. “I know plenty of people who just took the day off because it was just going to be too difficult,” said Tanisha Ranger, a Nevada-based clinical psychologist. “You do need an outlet where you can be yourself without any apologies. And for, I’m going to say, 98% of us, it’s not work.”
Try setting limits on what you’re watching or listening to following the election. “I would suggest, if you are feeling very intense emotions, to not feed it by watching news channels or listening to podcasts where they’re talking about it, because they’re going to be talking about it basically everywhere for at least the next couple of weeks,” Ranger said.
And know that, however you feel, it’s normal.
“Your feelings are valid,” Ranger said. “Whatever they are, how you choose to express them can be positive or negative. But the feelings themselves, whatever they are, are valid.”
Below, people across America discuss how they are managing their postelection disappointment and fear amid the responsibilities of their jobs and families. Take comfort or heart in what they shared.
Responses have been lightly edited for clarity and length.
