How to Cope with Post-Election Depression

Have you been following the news on the world scene? A hot topic of discussion is the presidential election in the United States, in which wild card Donald Trump achieved victory over longtime politician Hillary Clinton. Many people throughout the world are disappointed by the election results, in part because of some inflammatory remarks that Trump made throughout his campaign. Some are afraid of the global repercussions of a Trump presidency; and that fear has sent some people into a depressed state. Here are some tips for coping with your fear and disappointment in the aftermath of the United States election.

Realize that U.S. Power is Limited

A third of the earth’s seaborne traffic passes through Singapore; the city-nation is a significant player on the global stage in spite of its small size. Singapore has long been an ally of the United States, alongside its stable trading arrangements with China. The Trans-Pacific Partnership is one trade agreement that Trump has pledged to review and possibly renegotiate or reject completely. However, as Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong reminded the nation in a recent speech, the United States does not control Singapore’s destiny. Singapore will continue to grow and thrive by finding new avenues of trade and working out new deals with the United States and other trading partners like China.

Remember the Wrongs on Both Sides

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong also spoke of the fallacies in Hillary Clinton’s speeches with regards to the TPP and other issues. Before the election results were determined, the PM said, “This time it has been so nasty and harsh that I think Hillary, if she wins, will have a lot of things to unspeak which she will find very difficult to do.” If you’re disappointed in having Trump in the Presidential seat, keep in mind that neither candidate was without flaw.

Recognize Your Grief

What you’re experiencing is genuine grief. You may have been emotionally invested in one candidate, or you may have been disappointed that both candidates seemed like untrustworthy choices. Either way, give yourself some time and space to understand the new reality and to accept it.

Reject the News

Stop watching the news. People continue to rehash the election results and attempt to make dire predictions for the future; and watching them do it will only feed into your distress. Turn off the TV, the radio, and the newsfeed on your phone or computer. You can’t change what they are saying, but you don’t have to subject yourself to it. Give yourself a break from the negative messages in the media, and you may find a new peace.

Reward Yourself in Small Ways

To overcome your feelings of sadness, engage in some activities that you enjoy. Go out with friends in the evening after work, or host a family dinner. Attend a performance, go to a movie, do some shopping, or visit a favourite landmark. Also, take care of your health by drinking plenty of water, sleeping a full 8-10 hours each night, and eating balanced meals.

Seek Help

If your depression over the election is compounded by other events in your life, and if it continues for more than a few days or weeks, visit a psychiatrist in Singapore to seek help. You can go to Adelphi Psych Medicine Clinic, which has some of the top psychiatrists in Singapore. We’ll help you sort out those troubling feelings, move through the stages of grief, and find hope for the future. With treatment, you can overcome the sadness and take positive action to build the world that you want your children to see.