With the post-election angst still knee-deep in Black World, we’ve got some work to do to recapture our sanity and get our groove back. As one George Washington University (GWU) article noted, “For many, the anxiety of the 2024 presidential election hasn’t gone away.”
When GWU Clinical Psychology Professor Katherine Marshall Woods was asked if individuals feeling overwhelmed by post-election-related stress should tune out, she said, “No, and kind of yes, too. But really, is the answer.”
“If you’re feeling stressed, it’s really important that you take a moment to self-evaluate what you need during this time…in order to feel healthy,” said Woods. “Do you need support? Do you need to be around others who are actively concerned and anxious too? Maybe having others to commiserate with makes you feel more comforted and less alone.”
She then further broke down “community.” Because for some, the people closest to them often heighten that anxiety due to them holding political stances different than yours. Sometimes their stress levels are even greater than yours, so being in their presence does you more damage than good.
“So be very thoughtful regarding who you are around right now. If you are already anxious and stressed, you may not want to be around other people who feel negative or helpless or equally—if not even more—anxious than you. Instead, you may need to put yourself in an environment where a community can assuage your anxieties. You don’t want other people to alarm you. You want them to calm you down,” added Woods.
Many psychologists describe the post-election stress many are going through as a very real trauma, in large part because for many, this election was so personal, with so much riding on it.
To that point, licensed psychologist, author and sex-trafficking survivor Adrian “Adrienne” Fletcher said, “Trauma heals in relationships—healthy relationships. Relationships where you are seen, heard, validated, and respected. Ones where boundaries are upheld.”
Fletcher found those healing relationships in the community; more specifically, via a community called Powerhouse Women, founded by Lindsey Schwartz. Powerhouse Women offered Fletcher “a safe place to connect with women from all walks of life and various industries who have entrepreneurial dreams, aspirations, and a desire to make an impact by serving others.”
That’s just one community. Your spiritual home (church, temple or mosque) might be your community. Maybe you find your people at a local community center. Your tribe might be found in another gathering, like the people who participate together in Tour de Hood or who become part of the Project Row Houses universe.
The important thing is to find people who see you and respect your humanity. With those types of individuals around you, you all become a force for healing, friendship and forward movement. Through community, we can get our needs met, find necessary support and experience growth.
And right now, we who are still feeling the aftershocks of Election 2024 need all the healing and support we can get.
