Navigating Anxiety and Grief in Today’s Political Climate
- Stephanie Brooks Pirozzi
- Mar 22
- 2 min read

In times of political and social unrest, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed, anxious, or even grief-stricken. The constant flood of news, divisive conversations, and uncertainty about the future can take a toll on mental health. At Wellbrook Wellness, we recognize that the emotional weight of today’s political climate is real, and we’re here to help you navigate these complex feelings in a healthy and productive way.
Why the Political Climate Feels So Overwhelming
The rapid spread of information—whether through news outlets or social media—makes it easy to feel constantly engaged in political discourse. While staying informed is important, it can also lead to emotional exhaustion, heightened stress, and a sense of helplessness. The stakes often feel personal, and when policies impact your values, identity, or loved ones, it can trigger feelings of grief, anger, or anxiety.
For many, this grief isn’t just about a single event—it’s a collective mourning for the loss of security, justice, or progress. You may feel disconnected from those with differing views, uncertain about the future, or powerless to make a difference. Over time, these emotions can lead to burnout, avoidance, or even hopelessness.
Signs of Anxiety and Grief Related to Politics
✅ Constant worry or rumination about current events
✅ Feeling emotionally drained after engaging with political news or discussions
✅ Anger, frustration, or sadness over policies or societal changes
✅ Increased tension in personal relationships due to differing political views
✅ Physical symptoms like headaches, fatigue, or trouble sleeping
✅ A sense of helplessness or despair about the future
How to Cope in a Healthy Way
✔ Set Boundaries with Media Consumption – Limit doomscrolling and avoid getting lost in social media debates. Choose reliable sources and set specific times to check the news instead of being constantly exposed to distressing updates.
✔ Acknowledge and Validate Your Emotions – It’s okay to feel angry, sad, or frustrated. Suppressing emotions can lead to burnout, so allow yourself space to process and express your feelings in healthy ways, whether through journaling, talking to a trusted friend, or seeking therapy.
✔ Take Meaningful Action – Feeling powerless can intensify anxiety. Finding ways to contribute—whether by voting, volunteering, donating, or engaging in community discussions—can help regain a sense of control and purpose.
✔ Practice Self-Care and Grounding Techniques – Mindfulness, deep breathing, and physical activity can help regulate stress and bring you back to the present moment. Taking breaks from political discourse to focus on joy, creativity, and connection is essential for mental well-being.
✔ Seek Support When Needed – If political anxiety or grief is affecting your daily life, therapy can provide a safe space to process emotions, develop coping strategies, and find balance.
How Wellbrook Wellness Can Help
At Wellbrook Wellness, we help clients navigate political anxiety, grief, and emotional exhaustion through therapy approaches such as mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and emotional processing techniques. We believe that while you may not have control over the world’s events, you can take steps to protect your mental health, find resilience, and focus on what matters most to you.
If you’re struggling with the weight of today’s political climate, we’re here to help. Reach out to schedule a session and take the first step toward emotional balance.