What is Political Grief?
If you’re like me, keeping up with the news these days can feel overwhelming. Maybe you start your morning scrolling, only to feel your stomach sink with every new headline. Maybe you’ve found yourself yelling at the TV, doomscrolling late at night, or feeling helpless when policies that continue to harm the most vulnerable, and now seem to be reaching further, impacting more people than ever. Political grief is real—and if you’re feeling it, you’re not alone.
Unlike personal grief, which comes from losing someone or something close to us, political grief is the pain we feel when the world isn’t what we hoped it could be. It’s that deep sadness when justice is denied, the frustration of seeing history repeat itself, and the fear of what comes next. It’s the grief of watching systems fail people—sometimes yourself, sometimes those you love, sometimes entire communities.
How Political Grief Affects Our Mental Health
Let’s be real—this kind of grief is exhausting. It seeps into everything, leaving us feeling:
Anxious—waiting for the next wave of bad news.
Helpless—like no matter what we do, nothing changes.
Angry—at people in power, at those who don’t seem to care, at the unfairness of it all.
Burned out—especially if we’ve been fighting for change for a long time.
Disconnected—because talking about this with people who don’t share our concerns can feel impossible.
For some, political grief isn’t just emotional—it’s deeply personal. If your rights, safety, or identity are on the line, this grief isn’t just about disappointment; it’s about survival. And that makes it even harder to navigate.
Why is Political Grief So Intense?
Because it matters. Because we care. Because these aren’t abstract issues—they affect real people, real lives, real futures. And because, unlike personal grief, which has a path forward, political grief often feels stuck on repeat. It’s an ongoing loss. Just when we think we’re making progress, another setback pulls the rug out from under us.
And let’s talk about powerlessness. It’s one thing to grieve a loss we couldn’t have prevented. But political grief? It’s laced with the painful thought: What if I had done more? What if we had fought harder? That self-blame, that frustration—it’s heavy.
So What Do We Do With This Grief?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, I get it. I’ve been there too. Here are some ways I’m learning to navigate political grief—maybe they can help you, too:
Acknowledge that this is grief. You’re not “overreacting.” You’re feeling the weight of something big because it is big. Naming it helps.
Set boundaries with the news. If reading one more article is making your heart race, it’s okay to step back. Staying informed is important, but drowning in bad news won’t make you more effective. If you’re not ready to turn it off completely, try pausing before opening the news. Take a breath. Acknowledge that what you’re about to read might bring up big feelings.
Take action—but pace yourself. Lately, I’ve been noticing more and more people talking about Buy Canadian. Maybe you’ve seen it too? It’s popping up in conversations, on social media, even at the checkout. If you’re feeling frustrated by policies that seem out of touch, this is one way to push back—by supporting local businesses and keeping money in our communities. Maybe you’ve already made a shift, choosing Canadian-made products, avoiding certain imports, or being more mindful of where your dollars go. These small choices add up, and they’re a way to turn anger into action.
Of course, taking action can look different for everyone:
Find your people. Political grief is isolating, but I promise you—there are others who feel it, too. Join a group, talk to friends, connect with like-minded people who can support you. Even just venting with someone who “gets it” can be a huge relief.
Give yourself permission to rest. I know—it feels wrong to take a break when so much is at stake. But you can’t pour from an empty cup. Rest is not giving up; it’s recharging for the fight ahead. Take breaks when you need them, even if it’s just stepping outside for fresh air.
Channel grief into meaning. Maybe you write, volunteer, advocate, or simply hold space for others. Whatever you do, know that even small acts matter. Start local—sometimes change begins in our own communities.
Create moments of joy and hope. It might feel counterintuitive, but finding small pockets of joy can help sustain you. Listen to music, spend time with loved ones, focus on something creative—joy is an act of resistance, too.
For more ways for coping strategies and helping your mental well being see my blog on Nurturing Mental Well Being
If there’s one thing I want you to take away, it’s this: Political grief means we still have hope. It means we care. And even when it feels like the world is unravelling, history has shown us—grief, when shared, can fuel change.
So, let’s hold onto each other. Let’s rest when we need to. Let’s keep speaking up, even when it feels like no one is listening. Because the fact that we grieve means we haven’t given up. And that’s something worth holding onto.
Need Support? You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
If political grief is weighing heavily on you and you need support, know that help is available. Whether it’s through personal counselling, support groups, or simply finding safe spaces to talk, you don’t have to carry this alone. If you’re looking for a place to process your grief and build resilience, I invite you to reach out and let's chat.
Additional Resources (Canada-Based)
If you're in Canada, here are some trusted resources for mental health support and activism:
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) - cmha.ca
Crisis Services Canada (Call or text 988 for mental health crisis support) - talksuicide.ca
If you’re looking for ways to take action, consider supporting Canadian-based advocacy groups that align with your values. Look for grassroots organizations, local initiatives, and groups focused on policy change that directly impacts your community.
Stay Connected & Keep the Conversation Going
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Together, we can navigate this.
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