Finding Peace Amid Election Season as a Black Woman Clinician

Election seasons bring a unique set of emotions—especially for those of us who live and work in spaces deeply affected by the outcomes. In my role as a Black woman clinician, I witness the impact these turbulent times have on mental health. We feel the weight of the issues on the ballot, the values at stake, and the narratives surrounding our communities. It’s a season filled with energy that can quickly morph into chaos, and as healers, we are tasked with sitting in this space to help our clients find peace. But where does that leave us? How do we find peace in an environment that feels unsettling, even to us? The Emotional Rollercoaster of Election Season

In this period, social and political tensions seem amplified. Election discourse often revolves around promises of change or declarations of past failures, and it’s hard to escape the rhetoric. This can trigger fear, anger, and even hopelessness, especially in communities that feel overlooked or misrepresented by those in power. For many of us, these feelings are raw and real because the outcomes of these elections will influence issues that directly affect our communities. Being aware of this reality while guiding others through it is no small task.

The Challenge of Providing Support

As a clinician, it’s my job to hold space for clients grappling with their anxieties about the future. I listen to their fears and frustrations, validate their experiences, and work with them on strategies for managing stress. But even as I work to create a sense of calm and safety for my clients, I recognize that I, too, am affected by these same issues. As a Black woman, I face a dual role—one where I am both a witness to and a participant in this tension. It’s challenging to provide calm to others when the broader environment seems to lack it, but this is a part of the calling.

Finding Grounding Practices in Chaos

Election seasons are powerful reminders of the need for grounding. My self-care practice becomes even more crucial during these times, helping me stay centered and present. Grounding activities—like mindful meditation, journaling, and connecting with the community—keep me focused and attuned to my emotional state. Creating these rituals doesn’t erase the challenges of this period, but it builds a mental and emotional sanctuary that I can return to, especially when the world outside feels overwhelming.

Focusing on Personal and Collective Resilience

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the value of resilience—not just for myself, but for those around me. Each of us carries a reservoir of strength and courage, and election season is a time to draw on that. Engaging in healthy conversations, educating ourselves, and taking time to disconnect from social media are strategies that protect our mental and emotional health. Resilience isn’t about ignoring the realities of what’s at stake; it’s about preparing ourselves to navigate them with a sense of purpose and balance.

Choosing Hope Over Despair

In chaotic times, hope is a powerful act of resistance. It’s a reminder that, despite the challenges, we have the power to make a difference in our lives and in the lives of others. I often remind my clients—and myself—that finding peace isn’t about ignoring the chaos. It’s about choosing to focus on what we can control, embracing community, and actively creating spaces for joy, connection, and self-expression. Hope doesn’t erase our fears, but it helps us to face them with strength and compassion.

Final Thoughts: Building Bridges in Times of Division

As I work with my clients, I’m reminded that this season will pass. The tensions we face are real, but they are also an opportunity for growth, understanding, and resilience. Sitting in this space is a unique and humbling experience. It challenges me to be vulnerable, to lean into discomfort, and to trust that peace is possible even when it feels elusive.

If you, too, are feeling the weight of this season, I invite you to join our monthly meeting for women about permitting yourself to be. It’s a space for connection, support, and empowerment—a reminder that we are not alone in this journey. Together, we can find peace amid the chaos.