The Canadian Psychological Society says the US election has a global impact and it’s natural that many Canadians will have strong feelings about it — both positive and negative.
If people feel anxious or upset about the results, they may want to take a break from news coverage and social media, says association president Anita Gupta, a clinical psychologist.
Some people may be sleep-deprived by staying up late the last couple of nights to catch up on developments, Gupta says, and suggests prioritizing sleep tonight.
Simple acts of self-care, including eating well, staying hydrated, and getting outside or hugging a loved one, can make a difference, she says.
Some people will feel the need to talk about their feelings of anxiety or distress, but others may not be ready yet, Gupta says.
She says anxiety may worsen for some people who are already struggling, and reaching out to friends, family or a mental health professional can be helpful.
A mental health professional can provide a safe space for people to be themselves and talk openly about how they feel, without the risk of offending others who may not share their opinions, Gupta says.
Get weekly health news
Get the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday.
She said there is no “one-size-fits-all” coping strategy, but reminding ourselves of the positive things in our lives while acknowledging our feelings about the election can be helpful.
“Someone might say, ‘This election was really emotional for me for XYZ reasons and my family loves me and I have a good job and I have friends who will support me,'” Gupta said.
Children and teens are likely to have seen and heard things about the US election through social media or listening to their parents’ conversations and may have feelings about it, says Gayle Brown, a senior manager at Kids Help Phone.
Brown suggests that parents ask their children directly about their understanding of the election and if there is anything they want to talk about.
I think what a lot of young people, or even adults, do is they might feel something and then they’re like, well, that’s stupid. Like, I don’t live in the United States. This does not include me. “You don’t need to feel that way,” she said.
Brown said parents can show that it’s okay to have these feelings by opening up a conversation.
“So, if you were to say to your child, ‘Hey, this has been in the news all day’ or ‘A lot of people are talking about this.’ What would you think?’ “Being able to have a space where they can talk about it is really important,” she said.
“When the adults in your life who care about you take your feelings and thoughts seriously, it goes a long way.”
If the election is a “tipping point” for young people who are already struggling with their mental health and parents are concerned, they can reach out to their health care provider or Child Help Phone, Brown said.
& Edition 2024 The Canadian Press
