In the wake of Donald Trump’s re-election to the presidency, many Americans are grappling with a range of intense emotions – from anger and fear to grief and despair. As the reality of four more years under an administration hostile to marginalized communities sets in, the question on many minds is: how do we cope with this overwhelming situation and find the strength to keep fighting for justice?
Activists and Therapists Offer Guidance
To help navigate these turbulent waters, we reached out to activists and mental health professionals across the country for their insights and advice. While everyone processes political trauma differently, some common themes emerged:
Allow Space for Difficult Emotions
“I am feeling heartbreak and frustration,” shared Faisal Al-Juburi of the immigrant aid group Raices. He emphasized the importance of acknowledging the hurt. “Grant yourself the grace and luxury to feel that you’re not going to be okay – but know that you will be.”
Sometimes, there isn’t a silver lining. Sometimes, it’s just shit, and that’s what this is. We can sit with that, hold that, and then turn to mobilizing and activism.
Sadie Salazar, LCSW
Melody Li, founder of Inclusive Therapists, advised: “Your fear and overwhelm are real and valid. Be gentle with yourself. Surround yourself with chosen family and kin that honor your feelings and experiences.”
Lean on Community and Take Action
For many, plugging into collective support and finding ways to make an impact are crucial for moving through despair. “Talking to voters, knocking on doors, understanding where people are coming from – that kept me sane,” said student activist Ariela Lara. “I’m taking action by organizing a walkout.”
With all the emotions weighing on me, I will create the disruption needed to win bold policies, protect our rights. I am relying on my community – we are going to need each other now more than ever.
Ariela Lara, Sunrise Movement organizer
“When I think about what I’m going to do going forward, I think about what I can control,” reflected therapist Nancy Lumb. “What are the positive things I can do to affect me and others in a positive way? Then I can put energy into that.”
Maintain Perspective and Practice Self-Care
Interviewees also highlighted the necessity of pacing oneself for the long haul and not succumbing to hopelessness. “I have to remind myself that our pursuit of justice is a marathon, not a sprint,” noted Al-Juburi.
Anxiety is very good at convincing us that we know exactly what’s going to happen, that the way we feel right now is the way we will always feel. But the fact that those things feel true right now doesn’t mean they are true.
Kathryn Stinson, psychotherapist
Small rituals of normalcy can provide a much-needed sense of grounding. For therapist Sadie Salazar, that meant letting herself cry – then making a smoothie. “Having a sense of normalcy and doing the things you typically do, it’s a reminder of the safety you can feel in your home and relationships.”
Embrace Resilience and Resist Burnout
Pacing and caring for oneself are key to avoiding burnout. “Don’t burn out. Maybe shut your brain off,” suggested Aaron Almanza of the LGBT National Help Center. “You’re allowed to do that.”
Madison Nardy of 215 People’s Alliance finds balance in staying engaged. “Putting my emotions into actions helps prevent my feelings from becoming overwhelming or paralyzing. It helps keep my emotions grounded.”
Activists are a stubborn bunch of people. They’re in it for the long haul, and they are used to the rollercoaster of progress and loss. No one is giving up.
Kathryn Stinson
There are no easy answers for coping with political devastation on this scale. But in the midst of the grief and fear, these activists and healers remind us to be gentle with ourselves, to lean on each other, and to remember that we are part of a long, unbroken lineage of resistance. In the words of Li:
Cycles of structural violence are nothing new here on stolen land built upon by stolen lives. Indigenous and Black communities especially have resisted, fought back and created amazing systems of care for generations.
Melody Li, LMFT
In this harrowing political moment, may we draw from that deep well of resilience, care, and solidarity. We have a world to heal and remake, no matter who sits in the White House. For today, let us hold our heartbreak and our hope in equal measure. Tomorrow, we organize.
