Healing Political Division: Rebuilding Hope and Stability
Finding Hope Amid Political Division: Moving Beyond Outrage and Fear
This election has left many feeling divided. Harris supporters may be feeling fearful or disappointed, while Trump supporters might feel like they need to keep their celebrations quiet in such a polarized atmosphere. With media and social pressures adding fuel to this emotional fire, outrage has become an addictive response to political news. However, it is possible to step back and find peace again.. Below, we’ll walk through some ways to regain balance, discuss the impact of “outrage addiction,” and offer encouragement for anyone feeling vulnerable, isolated, or uncertain.
Table of Contents
How Counseling Can Help Political Division
At times like this, counseling can be a grounding and stabilizing influence that neutralizes political division. For those feeling an overwhelming wave of emotions—whether from fear, anger, or helplessness—therapeutic support can offer a safe space to process these feelings. Gate Healing PLLC’s approach combines insight-oriented and mindfulness-based counseling techniques, helping you identify the roots of your distress and guiding you toward resilience and positive changes.
Understanding Outrage Addiction
Outrage addiction is a cycle many people find themselves caught in during politically charged times. The constant stream of news and opinions—often crafted to evoke strong emotional responses—can become an addiction, fueling a repeated cycle of anger, fear, and frustration. With every sensational story or opinion piece, media channels perpetuate a habit of reactivity. Breaking free from this cycle can be challenging but leads to a more grounded and centered approach to daily life.
Doom-scrolling, by the way, is both rooted in and fuels outrage addiction.
How to Break Free from Outrage Addiction
- Limit Media Consumption: Reducing exposure to platforms that fuel outrage or focus on divisive narratives can be the first step. Try setting specific times to check the news rather than being constantly tuned in.
- Engage in Mindfulness Practices: Mindfulness teaches you to observe your thoughts and reactions without judgment. This skill can help you recognize outrage triggers before reacting impulsively. Mindfulness-based counseling can support this journey.
- Focus on Solutions, Not Problems: Shift your energy from reacting to problems to actively finding ways to contribute positively—whether that’s volunteering, supporting a cause, or focusing on your immediate community.
- Avoid “doom-scrolling:” Doom-scrolling is both rooted in and a cause of outrage addiction. Learn more about how to manage this insidious behavioral habit in my post about doom-scrolling.
Acknowledging Fear and Uncertainty
Many Harris supporters may feel a profound sense of loss, vulnerability, or even hopelessness regarding the political landscape, economy, and future of the country. News outlets tend to emphasize the worst-case scenarios, which can make fears feel even more overwhelming. Facing these fears without letting them control you is key. If you’re struggling with negative thoughts, counseling can help you find ways to recognize them without letting them take over.
High quality counselors like Jonathan will not try to sway your beliefs or political opinion. Instead, they will help you examine your beliefs and any behaviors that may be causing you to enter negative thought spirals. At the same time, a therapist’s job is to help you examine what you believe, sometimes challenging what you take for absolute truth.
Finding Hope and Stability
Stability and hope don’t mean ignoring current events but rather learning to anchor yourself in resilience practices:
- Build Your Support Network: Surround yourself with people who foster constructive conversations. Having a circle where you feel safe to express your thoughts without judgment can be incredibly stabilizing. It’s okay to have friends with different views, but make sure you also have people you can talk to without feeling judged.
- Set Personal Boundaries: To guard against emotional burnout, be mindful of your boundaries. Limit exposure to content that fuels anxiety, and consider curating your social media to prioritize uplifting or insightful interactions.
- Focus on What You Can Control: Investing energy in aspects of life that you can influence—such as personal goals, relationships, and community involvement—can make you feel more empowered and grounded.
Self-Care Strategies for Emotional Balance
Taking care of your mental and emotional well-being is essential, especially in times of heightened stress. Here are a few self-care strategies that can help you maintain balance:
- Engage in Physical Activity: Exercise releases endorphins, which improve mood and reduce stress. Even a short walk or stretching can make a difference.
- Establish a Routine: Keeping a daily routine provides structure and stability, especially during uncertain times.
- Practice Gratitude: Start a daily gratitude journal or list three things each day that you’re thankful for. Focusing on positive elements in your life helps shift perspective.
- Instead of writing down three things, you may also try writing in-depth about one thing that you are grateful for.
- Disconnect Regularly: Try taking a break from screens. Time spent offline can help recharge your mind and reduce anxiety.
Conclusion
The political climate and all of these emotions can feel overwhelming. Remember, though, that these feelings are valid and understandable, and there are ways to regain calm and hope. Whether you’re feeling fear, disappointment, or even joy that you feel you need to hide, focusing on self-care and reducing outrage can bring a sense of peace. Counseling can be a powerful tool in navigating these difficult emotions, helping you with the skills to move forward with resilience and balance.
Learn more about Mindfulness-based Counseling in Austin.
Jonathan F. Anderson, LPC-s has worked in the helping profession since he started college in 1990. After completing his Bachelor’s degree at the University of Texas, Austin in 1994, he attended the highly-regarded University of Minnesota to earn his Master’s degree in 1997. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor and is recognized as a Board Approved Supervisor by the State of Texas Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors. Jonathan has completed Level 2 of the Gottman Method of Couples Counseling, and in 1998 received training from the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation in Advanced Critical Incident Stress Management & Debriefing. To learn more about Jonathan’s practice, click here.
