Dr. Jennifer Klein, Psy.D., on Post-Election Blues
By Jennifer Naparstek Klein, Psy.D.
Nov. 30, 2016: It is probably fair to say that sixty-one million Americans are elated by the 2016 presidential election results, and sixty-two million Americans are shattered.
No matter which group one falls into, 320 million Americans are aware that this has been, compared to any elections we can recall from recent history, a contentious, biting, hostile, and even alarming election cycle. People on one side called for the other candidate to be sent to prison, and people on the opposing side referred to voters and politicians as "deplorable."
Many people of all faiths feel discarded and demeaned, and people belonging to minority, immigrant, and LGBTQ communities feel threatened and afraid for their futures. Some who fall into none of the above demographics are simply horrified by what they have witnessed and by the constant, round-the-clock news coverage.
Even after the election, the damage continues--there is much hatred and strife being expressed across our nation. Here in New York, individuals, public servants, and members of the media have received hateful communications, and there have been representations of hate, such as swastikas drawn or carved into privately owned homes and businesses. There have also been cries for violence in resistance to the new administration, which put many in fear of ongoing danger and instability.
What seems to be circulating in the way of ideas for managing one's stress is a combination of getting back to one's routine, getting involved in ways that can help your particular cause, limiting how much news coverage you follow, listening to your preferred leaders and theorists--taking guidance from trusted experts--and finding your equilibrium.
Often, when we feel stressed and anxious, we lean into that anxiety in ways that can be destructive and exhausting. It is critical, despite all of what is upsetting and threatening, that we find ways to be optimistic and forward-looking. Gandhi, an expert in maintaining calm in the face of fear, said, "You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty."
Gandhi's thought seems helpful in the sense that if we think too hard about those with whom we disagree and give those thoughts and fears too much power, we cannot maintain or regain optimism. Gandhi promoted ideas like action and persistence in the face of fear and hopelessness.
If everyone on both sides of the political spectrum can focus on positive change and pursuing goals through law and policy rather than hateful rhetoric and hateful action, we will likely get to a better place.
The questions that arise about going forward include:
1. How do we heal and make repair following a divisive election cycle?
2. How does one regain optimism about our nation and regain faith in our collective community?
3. How did gender play a role in this election, and what constructive messages can women and men take from what has transpired?
4. How can we frame and address minority stress? If we belong to a demographic that has felt degraded in this election process, how can we feel safe?
5. How can we explain and continue to decode the vitriol from the election for our children? Will this be their perception of America, their country? Will they think of this as normal?
6. How do we maintain our relationships and connections to people who voted differently? If that person is a spouse, a mother, a father, a sibling--how do we move forward together?
At The Counseling Center in Bronxville, we have felt the stress ourselves and have witnessed it with our clientele. Therefore, we feel it is important that we explicitly let Bronxville residents and surrounding area residents know that we are here to support the community and to offer a place for healing and conversation.
We intend to offer a short-term six-week conversation series targeting the above topics and any others that may arise. We plan to offer two times--one evening option and one daytime option. We are also here for anyone who prefers to meet for a handful of one-on-one sessions.
If you are interested, please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or feel free to call us at 914-793-3388.
Pictured here: Jennifer Naparstek Klein, Psy.D.
Photo courtesy The Counseling Center
Community Service Organizations Directory
Bronxville Beautification Council
Organized in 1982 and incorporated in 1993, the Bronxville Beautification Council (BBC) is a not for profit organization administered by a Board of Directors. Its mission is to enhance and maintain the natural and man-made beauty of Bronxville Village, with emphasis on the downtown business district of Bronxville. The BBC uses the dollars raised in its annual spring solicitation letter to residents to fund the mum, tulip and summer flower plantings downtown and at traffic intersections, as well as the summer hanging baskets. Every few years the group spearheads such major endeavors as the renovation of Leonard Morange Square on the west side of the railroad tracks and the beautification of the Lawrence Hospital traffic circle, which included the addition of plants and the building of the fountain that now makes a gracious western portal to our town. The BBC also works with other civic groups to monitor the aesthetics of retail signage, the consistency of sidewalk materials, and litter and graffiti. During Beautify Bronxville Week, the BBC sponsors a poetry reading and works with Scout groups on the annual village clean-up.
Bronxville Beautification Council
PO Box 127
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-779-6123
Bronxville Boy Scouts
The village of Bronxville has a long tradition of scouting. “The troops and packs of Bronxville have maintained the finest scouting organizations and have taught the boys of the Bronxville area to be leaders and outstanding members of the local, national and global communities.”
There are several Boy Scout Troops in Bronxville, including Troops 1, 2, 4, and 5.
Bronxvillle Girls Scouts
The Girls Scouts is “the world’s preeminent organization dedicated solely to girls where, in an accepting and nurturing environment, girls build character and skills for success in the real world.” In Girl Scouts, “girls discover the fun, friendship and power of girls together. Through the many enriching experiences provided by Girl Scouts, they can grow courageous and strong.”
Bronxville Historical Conservancy
The Bronxville Historical Conservancy was founded in 1998 to further the understanding and appreciation of the history and current life of the village. The Conservancy furthers its mission through the presentation of programs, publications, lectures and special events that foster an awareness of the village's architectural, artistic and cultural heritage, and lends its support for projects designed to strengthen and preserve those legacies. Anyone who is interested in the Bronxville and its history can become a member; varying levels of membership are available.
Bronxville Historical Conservancy
PO Box 989
Bronxville, New York 10708
http://bronxvillehistoricalconservancy.org/
Bronxville School Foundation
The Bronxville School Foundation, founded in 1991, is a non-profit organization independent from the school with the sole purpose of supporting the school. The Foundation raises money each year through donations from school families, community members, and alumni, among others.These contributions fund grants that provide cutting-edge technology, innovative programs and curriculum and other resources that are beyond the scope of public school funding.
177 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-395-0515
https://www.bronxvilleschoolfoundation.org/
Bronxville Women’s Club
The Bronxville Women’s Club offers lectures, exhibits and concerts. It also has a beautiful clubhouse which is available for rental for events.
135 Midland Avenue
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-337-3252
www.bronxvillewomensclub.org
Bronxville Youth Council
The Bronxville Youth Council provides volunteer and leadership opportunities for high school students in the village of Bronxville.
177 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-395-0500 ext 1789
Counseling Center
Founded in 1971, the mission of the Counseling Center “is to provide a wide range of psychotherapeutic and counseling services to individuals, couples and families by a staff of highly trained, experience and dedicated psychotherapists.
The Counseling Center
180 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-793-3388
www.counselingcenter.org
Community Fund of Bronxville, Eastchester & Tuckahoe
The mission of the Community Fund is “to support broad social services in Bronxville 10708, Eastchester and Tuckahoe through grants and technical support to local agencies and community projects. All money raised here in our community stays here in our community.”
15 Park Place
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-337-8808
www.thecommunityfund.org
Friends of the Bronxville Library
The Friends of the Bronxville Library is a not-for-profit membership association whose mission is to focus attention on the “Library’s services, facilities and needs” as well as sponsor projects and provide materials that are beyond the reach of the Library’s regular budget and perform other services.
Junior League of Bronxville
The Junior League of Bronxville is “an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and to improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.”
Rotary Club of Bronxville
The mission of the Rotary Club of Bronxville is to “encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and to encourage and foster (1) the development of friendships within the community as an opportunity for service, (2) high ethical standards in business and professions, (3) the application of the ideal of service of each member to his personal and business and community life and (4) the advancement of international understanding, good will and peace through a world fellowship.”
Senior Citizens of Bronxville
Senior Citizens of Bronxville is a not-for-profit organization that provides services and programs to seniors within the 10708 zip code area. “Programs cover a wide range of activities from educational seminars and cultural enrichment, to community services, bridge classes and exercise.”
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