Are You Heading For an Election Meltdown?
 

Are You Heading For an Election Meltdown?
Some Experts Predict Epidemic of Post-Partisan Depression

By Denise Mann
WebMD Feature
Reviewed By Michael Smith, MD

Nov 2, 2004 -- Regardless of the outcome of the 2004 presidential election, polls suggest that as many as 49% of Americans may now feel a profound sense of loss or even deep-seated anger.

A high voter turnout was expected this election, and the stakes may never have been higher. You are either for President Bush or you are against him. The same holds true for Sen. John Kerry and the issues of the war in Iraq, guns, abortion, gay marriage, and stem cell research.

"There are a lot of folks that have gotten very, very involved and believe that the direction of our country is at stake, and many people that could have very acute reactions to the election results," says political leadership coach Donna Zajonc, a former Oregon state representative and mental health nurse.

"I do believe that there will be a psychological effect that can be long-term if not dealt with," says Zajonc, author of The Politics of Hope: Reviving the Dream of Democracy.

But turning off the television, spending time with friends and family, and eventually getting involved with the issues that matter most on a grass roots level can help stave off any lasting effects, experts tell WebMD.

Intense Election, Intense Reaction

"The intensity and polarization in this election almost feels like the 1960s and the Vietnam era, except that in the 1960s, you never saw bumper stickers saying, 'Anyone but …,'" agrees Robert R. Butterworth, PhD, a psychologist at International Trauma Associates in Los Angeles. "A significant number of people are going to be pissed and that anger can turn to cynicism and uninvolvement."

"We have gotten people riled up, and the bases have been energized and the opposite of energized is depression," he adds.

The closeness of this year's election may further intensify the situation, he says.

"If you are not backing a candidate that is leading in the polls, you are psychologically prepared [to lose], but the dead heat in this election adds a cliffhanger aspect, which means that when we do fall, we will fall hard," Butterworth says.

Another drawn-out election can also make things worse for millions of Americans who are so vested in the outcome of this election.

"My dad always told me that if I had a tooth that bothered me, I could wiggle it or I could tie a string to the tooth and to a door and slam the door to pull it out, and my feeling is always let's get the pain over with as quickly as we can and not prolong things," Butterworth says.

Sore Winners Breed Really, Really Sore Losers

"If winners say 'ha ha' and rub salt in the wound, that can also cause problems especially where people work," he says. Regardless of who wins, Kerry and Bush must come together, he says. "The problem with the last election is that this didn't happen because Vice President Al Gore was fighting tooth and nail with Bush," he says. "The leaders have to show people how to react."

This time around, "people must shake hands and say 'let's work together,'" he says.

And move on.

"The president is such a figurehead, but a lot of the issues that people care about are also states' issues," Butterworth says. "The issue that you care about shouldn't be put on hold for four more years," he adds.

"Even though the candidate that you are supporting may not be elected, the issues are still alive and you can focus on them on a grass roots level," he says. "When you give up or become cynical and drop out, the process grinds to a halt and your issues never do get addressed."

Zajonc agrees, adding that people should "build their own political habitat and really associate with more positive folks that look at the good that came out of election and build on the good things."

But there's even more you can do, she says.

"When there is a disappointment, the first thing you must do is take time and find something you love to do and have fun," suggests Zajonc.

And "take time and grieve," she says. "It's an essential step for renewal, and grieving really truly means crying and really understanding your sense of loss," she says. "It's like a death and in this case, it's the loss of a dream and that can mirror the loss just as though it were the death of a friend," she says. "You really have to understand this is an emotional big deal. Do not minimize the extent of your emotional feelings."

And, Butterworth adds, "turn off the TV for a while and, for the short term, escape politics and enjoy the holidays. Give yourself a political moratorium for two or three months, but don't forget the issue that you are involved in."

Invested Too Much Emotional Stock?

So how can you tell if you were too vested in this election?

Warning signs that perhaps you've invested too much emotional stock in this election include "feeling fatigued, stressed, despair with the news reports," points out Bedford, New Hampshire-based psychologist Pamela M. Brill, EdD. "For some, the physical signs of being too engaged include racing heart rate," she says. "When you get there, you can take that as a sign that it's time for a break, a literal breather."

So, "breathe [and] look for the roses -- the things over which you have control, then exert energy to turn those around," Brill says.

"Sour grapes, blaming the other party or candidate or their troops or the media -- waste of energy," Brill says. Find another pastime or passion, she suggests. "Go see those movies you missed while you were campaigning," she says. "Or rent a DVD and kick back with family and friends [because] letting go is much easier when we have other things to grab on to."

Published Nov. 2, 2004.


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SOURCES: Bainbridge Island, Washington-based political leadership coach Donna Zajonc, a former Oregon state representative and mental health nurse. Robert R. Butterworth, Ph.D, of International Trauma Associates in Los Angeles, Calif. Psychologist Pamela M. Brill, EdD.

Preach it.

I haven't stopped crying, this is devastating. Words cannot express my hate, anger, and disgust. We must now focus all of our energy into winning back the Senate and blocking his judicial nominations. This will not stand.

Everyone keeps asking me why I'm so crabby/upset/moody. I just can't help it.

Paula

PS - did I mention that I'm nauseous too? :cool:

Meltdown???
 

I wished I would cause freezing yer ass off due to some "yokel's" stupidity is NOT recommended!!!

Brian j.

I tried to get on here yesterday but I couldn't. I was really moody/crabby too. Actually, downright depressed. I'm feeling better today. I've been listening to Air America Radio, it is good therapy. I was really thrilled after I cast my vote and had such high hopes. This is just awful. Things will right themselves, but I wish we could have begun the process from the top yesterday. :distress:

Nooooo...it's more like THIRTY long years if Bush gets to put Supreme Court Justices. And two Justice Renquist? and O'Conner look to be going soonish...I think I may just have to emigrate to Canada if Clarence Thomas make Chief Justice.

The mood here at work was so somber yesterday - people are better today - part of the problem is the fact that many of us pulled near all-nighters on election night...

But yeah - people were either super pissed off or depressed around here...

I saw it coming - I? was just SO tired....and SO happy that all the stupid ads will be gone...

It's about time for an Anarchy Riot! Overthrow the Government.

After all the money we spent in overthrowing the Taliban and now the US Government is becoming the Christian equivalent of them.

BE AFRAID...BE VERY AFRAID.

Cool...
 

I live for Anarchy!!! :nod:

And I am afraid...These sad souls in this small South-Western Oklahoma town seem overjoyed by a Bush victory :(

Brian j.

Amen brother Chili Amen! - although I am more of a march on Wash. kind of guy :laugh:

I have been SO depressed and crying. :distress: It is just such a letdown and I'm so dissappointed! I'm glad to know that it isn't just me feeling this way.

My best friend and I have been talking about it, and we have decided to not stop fighting. We aren't going to give up, because it is never over. We have to start thinking about 2008. In the meantime, we are going to throw ourselves into some worthy causes, and hope that people will get the message. We are just trying to figure out which worthy causes to donate our time and money to. Any suggestions?



Unfortunately, I see the same thing here in my podunk town in Tennessee. These people here actually believe that they won a victory for God/Jesus, because they voted for W! It just blows my mind, and it sickens me!
:mad:

OT-Kinda...
 

if yer "best friend" is who I think it is, She needs to send more Beatles music my way :nod:...That's my suggestion :lol:

Btw, I am definitely going to back pro-Stem Cell research groups...That one is a no brainer after the year Deb has gone through.

Brian "I am an Anti-Christ and I am an Anarchist....Don't know what I want, But I know how to get it, I want to destroy, Possibly?" j.

Why, yes it is, of course! :lol: I will give her the message. Alison and I will have to check into a pro-Stem Cell research group. That would be a good one. Thanks for the idea, and I hope your wife and you are doing well! :thumbsup:

They're going to try Scalia. He might just make it.
So, Giuliani wants to be Attorney General? I will laugh my ass off if that happens 'cause Rudy is pro choice.