1. Build a Supportive Network

During this period, surrounding yourself with a supportive community is essential. This could be an online group, close friends, or trusted family members. Creating a circle of people who understand your experiences can provide comfort and validation. Having spaces to express your concerns and share your experiences can make it easier to cope with anxiety. Seek out people who respect your identity and can empathize with your experiences, as they can serve as a powerful buffer against stress.

2. Create a Mental Health “Safe Zone”

Consider setting up a mental health “safe zone” that can serve as a retreat from distressing election information. This can be a specific room or corner of your home, or even a digital space with uplifting content such as supportive articles, music, and videos. Try to avoid continuously checking the news, as the barrage of negative stories and speculation about the future can often heighten anxiety.

3. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation

Mindfulness practices and meditation can be effective ways to calm your mind and ground yourself in the present. Simple breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, or even closing your eyes for a few minutes to focus your attention can help alleviate fears about the future. There are also mindfulness resources specifically designed for LGBTQ+ individuals, allowing you to find resonance with your identity as you meditate.

4. Stay Informed, But Avoid Information Overload

It’s essential to stay informed, but excessive information can lead to overload, which often increases anxiety. Set a time limit for checking the news each day—enough to stay aware of major developments without spiraling into details. By setting boundaries around your media intake, you can stay engaged without becoming overwhelmed.

5. Take Beneficial Actions

In times of anxiety and helplessness, one way to regain a sense of control is by taking action. You could reach out to local organizations that support trans and gender-diverse individuals, participate in online support events, or write to politicians to express your views. Taking action can make you feel like an active participant in your own future, countering feelings of powerlessness and boosting your sense of agency.

6. Meet Basic Physical Needs

During periods of heightened anxiety, basic self-care is often neglected. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating balanced meals, and engaging in physical activity, however minimal. Simple activities like going for a walk, practicing meditation, or exercising can release tension in your body and help keep your mind balanced.

7. Accept and Express Your Emotions

Emotional ups and downs are natural during an election period. Rather than trying to suppress these emotions, find safe ways to express them. You could write down your feelings, talk with a trusted friend, or even express them through art or music. Acknowledging your emotions instead of bottling them up can be a crucial step in combating anxiety.

8. Seek Professional Support

For many trans and gender-diverse people, election-related anxiety can feel overwhelming. If it becomes difficult to cope, seeking professional mental health support is a responsible choice. Therapy, support groups, or resources from LGBTQ+ organizations can offer guidance and help you navigate this challenging period.

Final Thoughts

The impact of U.S. elections on trans and gender-diverse individuals can be profound, affecting fundamental rights, safety, and well-being. Even so, we can mitigate our anxiety through supportive networks, mindfulness practices, safe spaces, and self-care strategies. Remember, you are not alone—many people share similar experiences, and there are communities and allies who stand with you, ready to face an uncertain future together.

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