Our entire country has been using surge capacity for several months. Dr. Ann Masten calls this a collection of adaptive systems we use for short-term survival. After the election, many of us will crash from the endless stream of news – perhaps you were one of the people who couldn’t stop reading the latest reports of statements, predictions, and claims. It’s normal to feel exhausted and experience a sense of ambiguous loss. This is a loss that lacks a clear resolution, may include a loss of trust, and may lead us to distance ourselves from others we once cared about because of the political divisions.
This is coupled with our personal, sometimes incredibly strong reactions to the election results. Some are devastated and frightened. Centering on those you care about and finding safe places to process will help ease those feelings and help you make choices about where to focus your energy. Some are giddy and may enjoy creating discomfort for others in their celebration. When the Cubs finally won the World Series in 2016, superfan Bill Murray reflected on decades of being good sports and said, “I just hope we’re good winners.” These emotions can paralyze us. We may neglect self-care because it seems less important in the moment. This is a time when recovery is at risk.
Our profession will again be on the front lines for what comes next. Let’s remember the words of Robert Benham, former Chief Justice of the Georgia Supreme Court, who noted that the first professions in society were, the clergy, who healed the spirit, the doctors, who healed the body, and the lawyers, who healed the community. The community needs us as healers now, both in our work and in our example. But we must also care for ourselves.
If you are a leader in your organization, a parent, or play another role where people watch what you do, pay special attention to the impact you may have. These times may provide additional opportunities to model integrity, and that opportunity can reduce our stress because it provides a purpose.
LCL is here to help during the tough times with counseling and other support. Call us. We’ll help.