Evolving Group Experienced Trauma

Triggered a profound sense of distress and uncertainity

For many, recent events have created a profound sense of distress and uncertainty. The unfolding developments have sparked fears about the stability of institutions, the protection of fundamental rights, and the trajectory of communities and the planet. The weight of these changes, combined with the unpredictability of what lies ahead, has left many feeling unmoored and vulnerable. The American Psychological Association (APA) has reported a significant majority of adults (70%) have reported significant stress over the last few weeks and The Trevor Project has experienced a 700% increase (yes that’s 7 times) in crisis calls, texts and chats in the last couple of weeks.

Such societal upheaval is not only disorienting but also deeply personal, as people grapple with how these shifts might reshape their lives and the world around them. The prolonged and evolving nature of this crisis amplifies its impact, making it difficult to process or move forward. In times like these, the mind and body react instinctively, striving to manage overwhelming emotions and protect against further harm. Understanding these natural responses can be the first step toward finding ways to cope and heal amidst the chaos.

How Trauma Affects You

Trauma caused by upheaval and uncertainty can affect people in many ways, both emotionally and physically. It’s the mind and body’s natural way of trying to make sense of what’s happening and protect itself. Emotionally, you might feel waves of fear, anger, sadness, or even numbness as you try to process everything. It’s also common for your thoughts to get stuck on “what if” scenarios or worst-case outcomes, making it hard to concentrate on daily life or plan ahead. Physically, your body may stay on high alert—what’s often called “fight-or-flight” mode—leading to restlessness, muscle tension, headaches, or trouble sleeping.

These feelings often show up in your behavior too. You might pull away from others, focus intensely on taking action, or turn to distractions like binge-watching TV or other forms of escape. For some, this kind of stress can even spark questions about their values, beliefs, or the meaning of hope during difficult times. All of these reactions are completely natural and valid. They’re not signs of weakness—they’re evidence of just how deeply unsettling and impactful these events can be. By recognizing and understanding these responses, you can approach them with compassion and begin to find ways to cope and heal.

How to Cope

Coping with the ongoing stress and trauma from something like this can be deeply personal, but there are strategies that can help individuals process their emotions, maintain mental health, and regain a sense of control. Here are several ways to cope:

1. Acknowledge and Validate Emotions

Name the feelings: Fear, anger, sadness, or confusion are normal reactions. Journaling or talking to someone can help articulate these emotions.
Avoid minimizing your reaction: Recognize that prolonged uncertainty or disappointing results can deeply affect mental health.

2. Limit Media Consumption

Set boundaries: Decide specific times of the day to check updates, avoiding endless doom-scrolling.
Unsubscribe: from email/text news updates.
Curate sources: Stick to trustworthy and non-sensationalist news outlets to reduce anxiety and stress reactions.

3. Seek Community and Connection

Find like-minded groups: Join local or online communities to share experiences and support each other.
Participate in activism: Taking small, meaningful actions—volunteering, donating, or organizing—can provide a sense of agency.
Lean on friends and family: Reaching out to (safe and like-minded) loved ones can help normalize feelings and remind you that you’re not alone.

4. Prioritize Self-Care

Maintain routines: Regular meals, exercise, and sleep can stabilize emotional well-being.
Practice mindfulness: Techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep-breathing exercises can reduce stress.
Do things that bring joy: Engaging in hobbies, art, or nature walks can provide relief and distraction.

5. Seek Professional Help

Therapy: Speaking with a mental health professional, especially one familiar with political or collective trauma, can be profoundly helpful.
Support hotlines: Crisis lines or support services can provide immediate relief in moments of acute distress.

6. Take a Break

Disconnect temporarily: Unplugging from the constant flow of election news can provide mental space to recharge. Choose when and how you engage.
Focus on what you can control: Redirect energy to areas of life where you feel empowered, focus on defined tasks and endeavors that you can control.

7. Create a Sense of Hope

Find examples of resilience: History and communities often show how people have overcome challenging times.
Engage with uplifting content: Books, podcasts, or talks that focus on healing and hope can be grounding.
Plan for the future: Set realistic goals or plans, no matter how small, to build a sense of forward momentum.

By combining these strategies, individuals can navigate the prolonged effects of election-related trauma with greater resilience.

Life can be complicated, messy, and rarely progresses in a straight line. PeoplePsych is a Chicago-based psychotherapy group that treats adults seeking profound change in their lives. We provide services that affirm the dignity, worth, and value of all individuals. We strive to create a safe non-judgemental space for clients to explore the issues that bring them. To connect with one of our therapists, please contact our Clinical Coordinator at (312) 252-5252 or intake@peoplepsych.com.