Hope Exploding

Political grief has driven many of my depressed friends to seek the help of a therapist—the fortunate ones who can find one, that is. Particularly striking is the number of men who once considered therapy unmanly but have now overcome their aversion. A close friend of my son went so far as to take his life while his wife was at home.

With the public mood marked by negativity, anxiety, and discontent, many feel the country is headed in the wrong direction. Therapists have never been busier and are increasingly closing their doors to new patients. Some are experiencing troubled dreams as they listen to one person after another express their fears, complaints, and confusion about the future.

Sarah Darghouth, a clinical psychologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, described her struggle to control her breathing the morning after the election. She allowed herself nine minutes to cry before composing herself for her first therapy session of the day. Aware that the best way to support distressed patients is to remain calm, she wondered how she would manage. Dealing with angst, grief, and existential threats is no easy task.

Vulnerable groups, including members of the LGBTQ+ community, immigrants, undocumented migrants, racial minorities, individuals who lost jobs due to government downsizing, business owners facing declining sales, and victims of hate speech, enter therapy sessions asking, often between sobs, “What do I do now?”

If you are politically depressed, consider the following.

1. Basic Needs Come First: Safety, security, housing, and food form the foundation of Maslow’s hierarchy of psychological needs. These must be met before you can focus on self-esteem and self-actualization. Prioritizing self-care is essential.
2. Addressing Work and Relationships: Resolving issues related to employment and personal relationships can help restore a sense of normalcy.
3. Media Consumption and PTSD: Experiencing political defeat or witnessing distressing news coverage of abused migrants, war casualties, and environmental disasters can trigger PTSD. It is crucial to be mindful of media consumption. Grieving and mourning are natural, but staying in the present and avoiding worst-case scenarios is key.
4. Managing Political Loss: Every election has winners and losers. Victors should be cautious not to humiliate those who lost, while the losing side benefits from self-reflection rather than placing blame. Learning to manage stress is both necessary and possible. Approaching political differences with an open mind and seeking common ground can be constructive.
5. Understanding and Overcoming Social Pathologies: Issues such as xenophobia, sexism, gender discrimination, racism, anti-Asian hate, anti-Semitism, cult-like thinking, and climate denial can contribute to widespread distress. Recognizing these problems is the first step toward developing innovative solutions. Engaging with others to spread truth, transforming hateful perspectives into pathways to peace, and participating in movements that aim to create a better future for all Americans can foster hope and happiness.
6. The Power of Community: Political action requires collective effort; it cannot be done in isolation. Secluding oneself at home can lead to a downward spiral, clouding judgment and impairing mental clarity. Acknowledging that one’s feelings are shared by many can provide reassurance. Problems affecting mental health are best addressed through community-driven solutions.
7. Avoiding Burnout: It is essential to balance activism with self-care. Good food, enjoyable activities, and regular exercise should complement serious endeavors. Spending time with friends, immersing oneself in nature, and maintaining family connections can improve well-being. Focusing on what is within one’s control, engaging in laughter, and seeking relaxation within a supportive community can provide the energy needed to tackle complex challenges.

References:

Website. (2025) What the 2024 election looks like from the therapist’s room. STAT.rreports from the frontiers of health and medicine. retrieved from https://www.statnews.com/2024/11/08/therapy-2024-election-trump-anxiety-mental-health/

Muffin, S. (2024) How can Psychiatrists Help Our Post-Election Mental Health? Psychiatric Times. Retrieved from https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/how-can-psychiatrists-help-our-post-election-mental-health

Hall, R. (2025) Stressed about Trump’s return? You’re not alone. Therapists are inundated with people worried about Trump 2.0. Independent U.S. Edition. Retrieved from https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/trump-presidency-2-therapists-inauguration-b2682699.html

Mental Health Crisis in U.S> Population. NeuroStim TMS Centers. Retrieved from https://neurostimtms.com/mental-health-crisis-politics-2025-inauguration/

How are you surviving these tumultuous times? Share your thoughts on my blog site.https://www.eichingerfineart.com/blog/200042/all-my-friends-are-in-therapy

Hope Exploding is a 30″ by 22″ acrylic painting on deep canvas. Purchase for $595 online at Questions? Contact me at marilynne@eichingerfineart.com