NORFOLK, Va. — With Election Day finally over, experts say it's not only normal to feel a little off-kilter, it's expected. In Hampton Roads, we are no exception.
"Just immediately like the last few clients that I saw, it is all about the election and the grief surrounding it, with a few comments of relief here and there from some people," said Mary Crutchfield, a psychiatric nurse practitioner.
Crutchfield, who is the founder of Leva Psychiatry, said her office alone has scheduled several mental health sessions, with many of them focused on the results of the November election.
It's no surprise so many people are reacting differently as a recent poll with the American Psychological Association found 77% of adults reported they feel significant stress about the future of the country. Mental health experts said it's hard to suddenly turn those feelings off, and for some people, their feelings can actually be considered a form of grief.
"People are experiencing some anticipatory grief and loss and then the loss of just what they wanted. It's a true range of emotions from 'I'm angry, I'm sad, this can't be true.' All of the stages of grief, it's all very similar," said Crutchfield.
It's also completely normal to feel celebratory if a voter's preferred candidate wins their race.
Crutchfield said what's important is how the conversations go moving forward, and that they are not reactionary.
"At the point that you cannot respond to each other of 'Oh, I'm so sad that you are devastated, and I'm feeling really happy but I have time to listen to you.' If that's not the response and we are having a very strong reaction to be right, then we know that we've gotta take space," said Crutchfield.
It's recommended that people go out and do activities that simply bring them joy. Go outside, take a walk, and above all, Crutchfield said it's important to connect to a trusted friend or family member.
If the stress becomes too much, Crutchfield said it's then time to consider reaching out for further help.