PORTLAND, Maine — A lot has happened in the past month, and the hustle and bustle of the holidays are fast approaching.
A new president has been elected. Regardless of how you voted, after this nail-biter of a race, many Mainers may be experiencing post-election blues—leading them to haul out the holly a bit early this year as a positive distraction.
Leading up to the election, in a poll conducted by the American Psychiatric Association 43% of adults said they felt more anxious than they did the previous year, compared to 37% in 2023 and 32% in 2022.
NEWS CENTER Maine spoke with mental health experts on how to prioritize self-care during this turbulent time, asking the question, "Can decorating for the holidays be therapeutic?"
Julie L. Quimby, Ph.D., founder of Psychology Specialists of Maine said it is completely normal to feel overwhelmed by political events and explained the benefits of decorating early.
"Decorating can evoke nostalgia and feelings of joy, offering a sense of normalcy and emotional grounding," she said. "Decorating can be a form of self-care that redirects focus to something positive and creates an inviting, cheerful environment."
Justin Chenette, director of public relations & advancement at Sweetser, a nonprofit for behavioral health, elaborated.
“Holidays can break up your routine from a visual sense, from a psychological sense and it’s helpful sometimes for folks to feel that sense of positive memory, or a reflection or nostalgia—of a time that was maybe happier for them,” he said.
Many Mainers dread winter months because it means cooler temperatures, digging out your car from the tundra, and the sun setting early. Chenette said when you combine all of that with the weight of political or electoral results that didn't go your way, it can add to your stress and anxiety this time of year.
Why do I feel this way and how can I manage those feelings?
"Political events often evoke strong emotions because they tie into our core values and identity," Dr. Quimby said. "To protect mental health, set boundaries on news consumption, practice mindfulness, and engage in activities that foster a sense of control, like volunteering or community involvement."
We live in a computerized world, where nearly everyone has a smartphone and access to the internet 24/7. It may be tempting to "doom scroll," but our experts suggest moderation.
"Balance comes from intentionality. Limit news to specific times of the day, avoid doom-scrolling, and prioritize trusted sources over sensational headlines," Quimby suggested. "Pair news updates with restorative activities, such as exercise or connecting with friends and family, to counterbalance the emotional toll."
But regardless of where you stand with the election results or the holiday season, Chenette reminds people to practice gratitude.
"Find your sense of connection whatever that means for you," he explained. "Hanging out with friends or calling a family member. Celebrating positive memories. Practicing gratitude for what you have and don’t have."
If you find yourself struggling, you can call the peer support line at 1-866-771-9276.
Chenette said it is free and available 24/7 and you will speak with someone professionally trained to listen and help you work through your emotions. He said each call lasts around 30 minutes and you can call as many times as you need, no matter the time.
