Today’s election is a pivotal moment for our country, and emotions are going to be high, no matter the outcome. For many of us, the results will be difficult to process, and it’s okay to feel a mix of emotions. This post is meant to help guide you through the natural stages of emotion that can come with a significant event, especially one as charged as this, and provide ways to handle those feelings constructively.

Whether you're feeling shock, anger, sadness, or something else entirely, know that you're not alone—and that there are healthy ways to work through these emotions.

Stages of Emotion and Tips for Coping

1. Shock/Denial

It’s common to feel numb or in disbelief at first, especially if the results aren’t what you expected or hoped for. During this stage, give yourself permission to feel whatever arises.

Tips: Take a deep breath, pause before reacting, and give yourself space to process the news. It’s okay to step away from social media or the news for a while.

1. Anger

Anger often surfaces as we look for someone or something to blame. This is natural, but try to channel it in constructive ways that won’t harm you or others.

Tips: Physical activity, like exercising or going for a walk, can be a great release. Writing down your feelings can also help, as can talking with someone you trust.

1. Bargaining/What-Ifs

You might find yourself questioning the outcome or imagining scenarios where things turned out differently. It’s natural to wonder “what if” in times of disappointment.

Tips: Try to recognize that these thoughts are part of the process. Avoid getting stuck here by focusing on what you can control moving forward.

1. Sadness/Grief

Grief is a natural response to what feels like a loss. You might feel sadness over the direction of the country or worry about what lies ahead.

Tips: Allow yourself to feel the sadness, but take care of yourself too. Reach out to friends or family members, spend time doing things you enjoy, and consider journaling or meditating as a way to process these feelings.

1. Acceptance

Acceptance doesn’t mean agreeing with or liking the outcome. It simply means making peace with the reality so that you can move forward. Acceptance gives you the clarity to continue making a difference in constructive ways.

Tips: Focus on actionable steps you can take. Staying involved, informed, and engaged can be empowering. Think about positive changes you’d like to see and how you can contribute to them.

Finding Common Ground and Moving Forward

Remember that no matter what side you’re on, we all share a love for this country and a desire to make it better. Everyone is going through their own emotional journey right now, and compassion goes a long way in bridging divides. Let’s recognize each other’s humanity and keep moving forward together.

As tough as things might feel now, we’ve faced challenges before, and resilience and unity have always helped us persevere. Let’s choose kindness, empathy, and constructive action over anger or division. Our shared goal is a brighter future for everyone.

Need Support? You’re Not Alone

If you’re struggling to handle the intensity of your feelings, there are resources available to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need someone to talk to:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (U.S.): Call 988 or visit 988lifeline.org for 24/7, confidential support. Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741741 to connect with a counselor for free, confidential support.

SAMHSA’s National Helpline: Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for free and confidential information on mental health and substance abuse services, available 24/7.

Find a Therapist: Visit Psychology Today’s Therapist Directory to find mental health professionals near you.

International Helplines: For those outside the U.S., visit Befrienders Worldwide for a directory of crisis centers and helplines by country.

Let’s take care of ourselves and each other. Emotions are normal, but we have the power to choose how we respond. Let’s choose resilience, compassion, and unity over anger, blame, or division. We all want the best for this country, even if we sometimes disagree on how to get there. Let’s keep that shared goal in mind as we move forward together.