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Kitchen Table Kibitzing: Political Anxiety Support [1]

['This Content Is Not Subject To Review Daily Kos Staff Prior To Publication.']

Date: 2024-11-21  

My therapist last winter introduced me to a small group dealing with grief over climate change. The group went on for two months and was something I looked forward to each week. Now she has introduced me to another small group which formed to find ways to cope with the anxiety around the election results. Last night was the first meeting — we go on for five weeks — and I think it is going to be another winner.

There were six of us in the meeting space plus a therapist. We started out with a moment of mindfulness then went around introducing ourselves. One of the women was so upset she had to pass when her turn came — she couldn’t stop crying. The other introductions were honest portrayals of just how devastated group members were. At times it felt like too much to process. I felt a need to escape, like people were giving voice to my deepest fears and it might be a little bit too much to handle.

When my turn came up, I shared how lonely I have been since the election; how there were huge gaps in my daily schedule that were once filled with following politics on MSNBC and my newsfeeds, how friends just didn’t want to talk about the election and our fears for our future. How for two weeks now I’ve only seen one of my friends for dinner. I mostly walk the dog and read to escape.

I said I was terrified.

One member said he had read the entire Project 2025 and yes, he was terrified.

Another thing I shared later is how my brain can’t seem to accept the outcome. That I keep thinking I can shake it out of my head, that it truly is a nightmare. I’ve never had such a deep inability to accept reality before.

There were stories about relationships with people who had not voted for Harris being shattered now; about no longer feeling comfortable in their communities and the world at large because of race or gender issues.

There was resignation and deep despair. It was not an easy hour, reminded me of the process of “bleeding wounds.” At the end of the session everyone agreed that they were grateful for the opportunity to share and felt it had been quite beneficial.

We’re now two weeks out from the results. With two months left until January 20th. For me, the anxiety hasn’t lessened. If anything, as the shock wears off and my feelings become more accessible, I feel very much in need of support and community.

How are you folks doing with the transition?

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