How to Deal with Post-Election Anxiety When Trump’s Back in Office

Hey, friend. If you’re feeling anxious, frustrated, or even a little lost right now, I want you to know that you’re not alone. I know there’s a lot of noise and tension after the election results, and seeing Trump back in office has a lot of people feeling pretty uncertain. Regardless of how you feel about politics, dealing with anxiety around major changes—especially ones we can’t control—is tough.

I’m here to talk through a few ways we can handle this together, like a friend would. So grab your tea, your coffee, or whatever calms you down, and let’s dive in.

1. let yourself feel it

First things first, let yourself actually feel what you’re feeling. There’s no “right” way to respond to something this big. You might be angry, sad, hopeful, scared, numb, or something else entirely. Whatever it is, know that it’s valid. Trying to push down these feelings will just make them come back stronger later. Allow yourself some time to process without feeling like you have to be “strong” or “calm” right away.

2. unplug (even just for a bit)

News, social media, endless debates—these things have a way of digging deeper into our emotions, especially when everyone seems to have a loud opinion about everything. If your anxiety is spiraling, take a break. Turn off notifications, maybe take a few days off Twitter or wherever the noise is loudest. It doesn’t mean you’re ignoring reality; it just means you’re taking care of yourself first.

You deserve some mental space to figure things out without constant commentary. Try to focus on the things you can control, and sometimes that means hitting the “off” button on everything that overwhelms you.

3. connect with people who get it

Talking helps. Reach out to a friend or family member who feels the same way, or even someone who doesn’t but will still listen. Just venting it out, sharing that weight, can really lift some of the pressure off. Or, find a community or support group where people are feeling just like you are. There’s comfort in knowing you’re not alone in how you feel. Anxiety, in general, can feel isolating, but this kind of anxiety—shared by millions—means you’re in good company, even if it doesn’t feel that way sometimes. If you don’t have anyone, I’d recommend using Vent.

4. get back to the basics

When the world feels out of control, focusing on the simple things can give you a sense of stability. Things like taking a walk, getting enough sleep, eating something that makes you feel good (even if it’s just ice cream), and sticking to a routine can work wonders for your mental health. Anxiety can make you feel scattered and unfocused, but doing the small, basic things consistently gives you a foundation. You might not be able to control who’s in office, but you can control how you take care of yourself.

5. channel your energy into something that helps you

If you’re feeling particularly wound up or anxious, try channeling that energy somewhere. Maybe that means getting involved in causes you care about, volunteering, or even just learning more about issues that matter to you. It doesn’t have to be big or grand—just something that reminds you that you still have power and influence in your life. Taking even small actions can help transform your anxiety into something productive, something that makes you feel like you’re making a difference, even if it’s just in your own world.

finding support when you need it most

1 out of 4 people don’t have anyone they can confide in. This is why we’ve a companion to provide emotional support when you need it. Head over to Vent. It’s like having a friend you can talk to anytime, someone who listens without judgment and actually remembers what you’ve shared. Vent turns your everyday thoughts and emotions into insights, helping you connect the dots and understand why you’re feeling the way you are.

When your mind feels like it’s racing and you don’t know where to start, Vent can guide you through it. Just talk—like you would to a friend. It helps break down your thoughts, recognizes patterns, and reminds you of things you might not even realize about yourself. Whether you’re struggling with uncertainty, frustration, or just trying to make sense of what’s next, Vent can be there, giving you the emotional support you need without the pressure.

remember you’ve got this

Look, there’s no “quick fix” to dealing with post-election anxiety, but there are ways to cope, ways to make sense of things, and ways to find peace even when everything feels chaotic. You’re not alone in this—no matter what happens, there are people who feel exactly the way you do.

So take it one day at a time, one deep breath at a time. And remember, even when the world feels out of your control, taking care of yourself, talking it out, and finding a supportive community can make a world of difference.

Stay grounded, friend. You’ve got this. And if you ever need a little help making sense of your emotions, Vent is just a conversation away.