TOLEDO, Ohio — The election is now over and while some people are celebrating and looking forward to the future, others are stressed. We spoke to voters and local mental health experts to see how they're feeling and what steps people can take if they're experiencing post-election stress.
One therapist who spoke to WTOL 11 says people need to have something positive they can focus on to keep their minds at ease.
"Just trying to do things that can minimize some of that anxiety, eating a good meal, exercising, talking about it (can help),” said Shay Bankston, clinical therapist and the owner of Premier Consulting Toledo, a behavioral health practice.
Bankston says some other ways to manage post-election stress can include taking a jog or just taking deep breaths.
"Practice as many techniques that we can to de-escalate or alleviate some of that anxiety. Physical exercise, taking deep breaths, watching a movie, doing something that you personally find, you know, to be calming and peaceful,” said Bankston.
On the flip side, other voters are filled with a sense of pride and hope after the election.
"I am a very happy American right now with Trump winning. and I know I have less sleepless nights because I was worried that he might lose the election. But the American people have spoken,” said Marlene Cunningham, who lives in Monroe.
For others who are not happy with the outcome they wanted, it's a disappointment.
"It's like somebody hit you in the head with a brick. And, you know, it'll take a while before I can sort of like go about my daily life,” said Toledoan Ansley Coale.
The past few months had voters from all political parties stressed out.
According to the American Psychological Association, close to 70% of Americans reported that the 2024 presidential election played a major role of stress in their lives, but that may have eased up for some after the outcome of the election was decided.
"I have no stress right now. I did when the election was going on,” said Cunningham.
Either way, Bankston says whether you're happy with the outcome or still feel uneasy, it's OK to put politics to the side and be kind and smile at someone.
That's something people from both sides of the political divide can agree on.
"We need to come together as one nation for all of us to survive. And everybody has to accept that Trump is now are going to be our president in January,” said Cunningham.
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