In the aftermath of a charged election season, we’re left facing not just the outcome on the ballot but the intense emotions and polarization these results leave behind. Many feel relieved, while others are fearful. Some are caught in a loop of anger or resentment toward those who supported the “other” candidate. These feelings are understandable. When political divides grow so deep that they threaten our sense of safety or shared values, anger can feel like a natural, even necessary, response—a way of coping with what feels like a threat to our beliefs, hopes, or stability.
It’s important to acknowledge and validate these emotions. For those stuck in frustration or fear, moving forward can feel impossible without sacrificing something valuable—our beliefs, our sense of security, or even cherished relationships. Yet while anger and fear might feel protective, dwelling in these emotions often leaves us trapped in a cycle of stress and helplessness.
But there’s a choice to be made here. One option is to focus on everything we fear might happen—a seemingly endless stream of “what ifs.” But staying in that space only serves to amplify stress and does little to bring about change. Alternatively, we can shift our energy toward what we can do. Releasing anger doesn’t mean abandoning what’s important to us; rather, it frees us to act with clarity, compassion, and courage.
The Toll of Division on Mental Health
Social support and strong relationships are cornerstones of mental well-being. When discord seeps into these relationships, we lose the stability and connection that ground us. Political stress alone can elevate anxiety and depression, but when it fractures friendships and families, the resulting isolation intensifies those effects. And isolation only reinforces the belief that we are different, misunderstood, or alone, creating more distance between us and others.
Mental health is not only about our internal experiences but also the environments around us. The presence of harmony or conflict in our relationships impacts our health, our mood, and our resilience. The recent election results should not drive us apart. Instead, they can serve as a reminder to rebuild our support networks, find common ground, and seek understanding.
A National Challenge and a Shared Responsibility
In addition to these interpersonal divisions, our nation faces a chronic disease epidemic that transcends politics, impacting physical and mental health across all communities. Both President Donald Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have made addressing this epidemic a central part of their agendas. I had the honor of participating in Senator Ron Johnson’s Roundtable Discussion on this topic, where I joined others in discussing potential solutions. These conversations reaffirmed my belief that we need bold, collaborative action to confront this crisis.
However, I recognize that not everyone agrees with the approaches or broader political stances of Trump or RFK Jr. For some, their involvement evokes fear, anger, or frustration. These emotions reflect the deep divisions in our country, but they must not prevent us from addressing the pressing health challenges before us.
The chronic disease epidemic is not a partisan issue—it’s a public health emergency that demands unity. Our youth, in particular, are suffering the consequences, with skyrocketing rates of metabolic and mental health disorders. This crisis underscores the need to come together, despite our differences, to find effective solutions that improve the health and well-being of all Americans.
How We Can Move Forward
1. Embrace Curiosity Over Judgment
It’s easy to reduce others to their political stance, allowing labels to define them. But each of us has a unique story and lived experiences that shape our views. By shifting from judgment to curiosity—asking “why” instead of assuming motives—we allow ourselves to see the person behind the beliefs.
2. Focus on Shared Values
At our core, most of us care deeply about similar values: family, health, safety, and community. These values provide common ground. Focusing on shared values helps build mutual respect—an antidote to the feelings of division that can overwhelm us after an election.
3. Commit to Compassionate Communication
The words we choose matter. Taking an extra moment to listen and avoiding accusatory language can help keep conversations respectful, even when we disagree. Setting these standards within our families and friendships can protect these relationships from the strain of outside tensions.
4. Shift from Fear to Action
Fear can leave us feeling powerless, while anger can keep us stuck. Instead of lingering in these states, let’s ask ourselves: what action can we take? How can we channel our emotions into something constructive that strengthens our communities, supports mental health, or promotes positive change?
5. Prioritize Connection
Political differences can make people feel isolated. Yet as social creatures, we thrive on human connection. Building bonds based on kindness—not partisanship—can be challenging, but it’s an important step toward healing.
A Call to Reconnect
As we close this chapter and begin the next, let’s reflect on how we can strengthen the relationships that matter, even amidst differences. Mental health isn’t merely a personal endeavor; it’s a collective one. By reaching out, we help not only ourselves but our communities, too.
I remain committed to working with anyone who shares a dedication to solving the chronic disease epidemic, regardless of political affiliation. This is not about partisanship—it’s about creating a healthier future for all. Together, we can build bridges and work toward solutions that address the metabolic and mental health challenges facing our nation.
We’re in this together, facing the challenges of this moment. If we can navigate this time with empathy and open hearts, we contribute not only to our own resilience but to a more connected, supportive, and understanding society.
Dr. Christopher Palmer is a Harvard psychiatrist and researcher working at the interface of metabolism and mental health. He is the Founder and Director of the Metabolic and Mental Health Program and the Director of the Department of Postgraduate and Continuing Education at McLean Hospital and an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. For almost 30 years, he has held administrative, educational, research, and clinical roles in psychiatry at McLean and Harvard. He has been pioneering the use of the medical ketogenic diet in the treatment of psychiatric disorders—conducting research in this area, treating patients, writing, and speaking around the world on this topic. Most recently, he has proposed that mental disorders can be understood as metabolic disorders affecting the brain, which has received widespread recognition in both national and international media outlets.
