Care During the U.S. Election
The U.S. election is almost here again, and with it comes a wave of emotions—anger, frustration, anxiety, and even numbness. For many of us, especially those who have lived through the deep injustices that elections both expose or exacerbate, this time can be overwhelming. And that’s okay.
It’s important to normalize these feelings. Feeling anger is not only natural, but it can also be a powerful source of energy when harnessed properly. You might feel exhausted by the endless cycle of political promises and disappointments, or maybe you're grieving over the loss of hope for a system that wasn't built for us; the loss of important relationships in this division. All of these emotions are valid. They are a reflection of our deep longing for change and justice.
Leaning Into Your Anger
We are often taught to suppress anger, especially those of us from marginalized backgrounds. Black women, in particular, are expected to hold our tongues, stay “strong,” and move through the world without expressing the fullness of our emotions. But anger is a necessary emotion. It signals that something is wrong and that change is needed. This next few weeks, allow yourself to feel that anger without judgment. Your anger is sacred—it is an indicator of your deep care for your community, your loved ones, and yourself.
But we also need to find ways to channel that anger in ways that are restorative, not self destructive. What BIPOC healing traditions teach us is that we don’t have to process these emotions alone. Healing, in many cultures, is a communal experience. So instead of isolating yourself in frustration, lean into the spaces and people who hold you with care.
Community Care as Healing
This is not a time to be strong and isolated. In many Indigenous, African, and other non-Western traditions, healing comes through the collective. Whether it’s sharing a meal with friends, gathering for a spiritual practice, or simply sitting in the presence of loved ones, these communal experiences remind us that we are not alone. Our ancestors healed in community, and we too can lean into this way of being.
Consider finding a space—whether it's virtual or in-person—where you can be vulnerable. Talk about what this election is bringing up for you. Allow others to see you, to hear you, and to hold you. It’s in these spaces that we realize our anger, fear, and hope are shared, and that collective strength can emerge.
Non-Western Methods of Healing and Self-Care
Self-care doesn’t have to only look like yoga classes or mindfulness apps (though these can be helpful too). For those of us from communities of color, self-care might look more like honoring the practices that our ancestors passed down. It could be lighting candles for those who came before us, meditating with ancestors, drumming, dancing, or engaging in a spiritual practice that feels rooted in our identity. It could be as simple as sitting in the sun, letting the warmth remind you of your connection to the earth and to those who have stood before you.
Herbal remedies, prayer, spiritual baths, and ceremonies might offer you more comfort than Western mental health practices ever could. Don't hesitate to explore those avenues. You are not “too much” for feeling deeply, nor are you wrong for seeking out ways to soothe your soul outside of the mainstream.
Here are some spaces in my local community that can be spaces of connection and refuge at this time:
A Note On Protecting Your Energy
1. Detach from the Media and the Attention Economy
One of the biggest challenges during election season is the constant bombardment of news, headlines, and social media posts that can make it feel like you're drowning in information. Every notification, every breaking news alert, every heated post in your feed is designed to pull you in, demanding your attention and energy. But let me remind you: you are not obligated to consume every piece of election coverage. In fact, detaching from the media storm is one of the most radical acts of self-care you can do.
The attention economy thrives on keeping us engaged, often by preying on our fears and anxieties. Headlines are crafted to trigger emotional responses, social media algorithms prioritize outrage, and before we know it, we're pulled into a vortex of anger, sadness, or helplessness. But just because the world is loud doesn’t mean you have to listen to it all the time.
2. Set Boundaries With the News
It’s okay to take a step back. It’s okay to limit your media consumption to preserve your mental health. You don’t need to check the news every hour, or even every day. Try designating specific times to check in, and then unplug. Allow yourself space to process without constantly being bombarded by new information. Your emotional well-being is not dependent on knowing every single detail in real-time.
Unfollow accounts that make you feel anxious or angry without offering real support or solutions. You don’t need to see the same message repeated across your screen. Follow pages and communities that uplift you and help you stay grounded. This way, you can still stay informed, but in a way that feels manageable and empowering, rather than overwhelming.
Detaching Doesn’t Mean Apathy
Detaching from the constant news cycle doesn’t mean you don’t care. It means you are choosing to care for yourself by not allowing the attention economy to dictate how you feel moment to moment. You can still stay engaged in the causes that matter to you without being chained to the endless stream of commentary and analysis. Find ways to stay connected to what matters through your community, your local organizing efforts, or through trusted, quieter sources of news that don’t sensationalize the world’s events.
Remember, you are not a machine. You don’t have to be “on” 24/7, plugged into every development in the political landscape. It’s okay to step away, to breathe, and to remember that your peace of mind matters, too.
As you navigate this election season, give yourself permission to disconnect, to be selective about what you let into your space, and to focus on the practices that bring you back to yourself.
Lastly, remember that you don’t have to engage with every political conversation, argument, or debate. You can step back. You can protect your energy. Your well-being is more important than staying constantly plugged into the news cycle or proving yourself in political debates. Practice saying "no" to things that feel draining, and yes to the things that fill you up.
This election, prioritize you—your feelings, your community, your ancestral wisdom. Lean into the emotions that arise, let them be a guide, and remember that healing comes in many forms. Above all, trust that your anger, your pain, and your hope are all valid—and they can coexist as part of your journey toward deeper self-awareness and community care.
