Charity relaunches advice page recommending volunteering and getting involved in local civic causes during traumatic world events
After Donald Trump’s US presidential election victory this week, a briefing handily re-appeared in the “most popular topics” section of the Mental Health Foundation website: “Tips to look after your mental health during traumatic world events.”
The briefing has been well-read before, at times of war, conflict, violence and social tension – and people were turning to it for advice once again as Trump’s win ushered in a phase of deep despondency and political uncertainty for many people.
“These are difficult and intense moments for many people. Anxiety is not an unreasonable response, and you should not feel diminished for being worried,” said Lee Knifton, a Mental Health Foundation director.
The potential changes augured by the Trump presidency – economic and social upheaval, threats to human rights, the prospect of racial divisiveness – can create or exacerbate feelings of anxiety, foreboding and loss of control.
Even if we are not directly involved, watching traumatic world events unfold that cause actual or portents of harm or suffering, whether to ourselves, loved ones or complete strangers, can affect our mental health, the foundation says.
It is worth trying to pause, reflect and see if perspectives settle after the initial shock and despair, it says. Try to accept events may be out of your control and influence. “Time is important. It’s useful to see how things land,” said Knifton.