There is one week until the last day of this election cycle (I phrase it that since as many people – including me – have already voted) and I decided to do a post with some thoughts about how I approach election-related issues in therapy, and some substantive thoughts about the election in general.
This is a very stressful period for a lot of people, including (1) those who are afraid of a second Trump presidency (particularly marginalized and oppressed groups), and (2) those who struggle over casting a vote for either candidate based on what is happening in the Middle East.
When this comes up in therapy I suggest a three-prong approach:
- Do what you can. Vote (if you can), encourage others to vote (keeping in mind that not everyone can vote), engage in political discourse to the extent that you feel willing and able, and any other action you are comfortable taking (or that you’re willing to deal with being uncomfortable taking!)
- Monitor your news consumption. Being informed is important, but over time you will likely be hearing the same points over and over again, raising your stress level without adding anything of value (especially when the content is political commentary rather than news). It’s ok to take a break!
- Remember that no matter what happens we all remain responsible for living our lives and continuing to make our choices.
For many Americans the election and what is happening in the Middle East are completely intertwined. Over 650,000 Democratic primary voters chose “uncommitted” over Biden in the primaries in opposition to his full support of Israel’s actions in Gaza, the West Bank and now Lebanon. Many of those voters are hesitant (or even refusing) to vote for Kamala given her failure to distance herself from the current administration’s position (the Uncommitted organizers refuse to endorse her – but also encourage people to vote against Trump and to “avoid” third party candidates).
Others are focused on the fear of what might happen to many people in this country if Trump wins. That includes more threats to women’s bodily autonomy, threats to the rights of LGBTQ+ people, including medical and other support for trans and non-binary individuals, and many more threats to democracy contained within Project 2025.
Voting for a third party, or not voting at all are options, but given the system we live with currently (the Electoral College) the reality is that one of the two major party candidates are going to win and become our next President. I for one chose to vote for Kamala, but each person is responsible for their own choice.
Finally, regardless of the outcome next week (or whenever the results are final) – we all remain responsible for our choices and our lives, including stepping up for the things we care about in whatever way we can. Acceptance of the outcome, and acceptance of what is happening in the world is not the same as resignation. We accept where we are so that we know what direction we need to go in order to get where we want. If Kamala wins, I will – on inauguration day – celebrate the fact that America elected a woman of color as President. On the day AFTER inauguration day I will move on and continue advocating for the things I care about, including an end to the genocidal acts against the Palestinian people and the creation of a free and independent Palestine.
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