Looking back on the past 10 years of politics in the United States, one thing most people can agree on is how divided we are as a country. Our social support programs have crumbled while inflation and the cost of living have gone up. Some groups have been targets of violence, while others have demonstrated massive civil unrest. It’s clear that for many, politics have very real personal consequences. These aren’t things that can simply be “tuned out.” Those who already have challenges with their mental health and those connected to communities that expect significant losses may have a hard time coping with the news.

After the 2024 election, many people are feeling a sense of ambiguous loss in anticipation of the ways their lives may change in the next four years. In this blog post, we’ll define ambiguous loss and discuss why it’s relevant after a consequential presidential election like this one.

What is ambiguous loss?

Ambiguous loss is a term that typically refers to the psychological loss of a person who may be physically present or a loss without a sense of closure. For instance, watching a loved one succumb to substance use or a degenerative neurological condition could be an ambiguous loss. If a loved one is abducted, detained, or lost during a natural disaster, this could also create feelings of ambiguous loss. The 2024 election result itself doesn’t compare to the grief of losing someone close to you. However, many people are anticipating significant personal losses that are likely to come as a result of this election. These include potential separation from loved ones or loss of rights, safety and protection.

What are some reasons people might feel ambiguous loss after an election?

In the 2024 election, major party platform issues included asylum and protection for those fleeing danger in their home countries and lifesaving reproductive health care procedures. Feelings of ambiguous loss may be related to the impact of such legal actions and policies as the winning party has discussed as part of their campaign. Entire communities that have been targeted may feel effects in multiple areas of their lives. 

It’s not just a loss of hope and anticipation for things that may not happen. In this election in particular, many have already survived hardships during the winning candidate’s previous term. Their ambiguous grief is shaped by four years of negative experiences and the fallout of past political actions.

People who voted for the losing candidate may feel ambiguous loss for these reasons:

• They or their loved ones are likely to lose their sense of safety, their home or certain rights because of the new administration’s policies. 
• They believe they will be personally affected by specific policy changes, but there’s no way to know when or how.
• The person or their loved ones may have to leave the country to avoid persecution.
• Their entire community or social groups they belong to have been targeted by the winning candidate.
• They may face significant financial losses or lose access to necessary social supports in the upcoming term.
• They believe the election result will continue to have negative effects long after the candidate is out of office.

What can people do to find relief from ambiguous loss?

Recognizing and validating the gravity of ambiguous losses related to this election is an important step toward healing and preparing for the new term to begin. Individuals and communities can help each other process their ambiguous losses by meeting up in person and holding space for each other to be vulnerable. Going to a support group or grabbing a cup of coffee with a close friend can make a big difference. In addition to processing the impact of the election, now is an important time to share resources and make specific emergency plans. Even reminding someone to do basic self-care, such as eating enough nutritious foods, getting a health care screening or taking time off to relax, can speak volumes to show them you care. If someone you know is struggling, you might help out by bringing them a meal or offering to help with child care.

If this article has hit home for you, we’re sending our love. If it has shed some light on other people’s perspectives, we appreciate your open-mindedness. The feelings of ambiguous grief and loss in light of this election will have a significant impact on many people. Having compassion for yourself and being there to help others feel seen and heard are important ways to foster mental health and well-being. 

Are your thoughts and feelings getting to a point where it’s too much to handle? You don’t have to keep struggling on your own. There are effective mental health treatments available, and you have options. At Lightfully, we take a person-first approach to mental health treatment so you can discuss any part of your life, including feelings of ambiguous loss related to the election.

If you’re trying to navigate mental health care right now, contact us with any questions or reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’re here to help.