Feeling political distress? Here are coping strategies a psychologist shares with his clients

The polarized political climate is reflected in what drives some people to therapy. Microgen Images/Science Photo Library via Getty Images

I began practicing psychotherapy during the Reagan administration. Thirty years went by before distress about politics became a clinical issue for any of my clients.

I remember the moment it first happened: There was a long voicemail from a distraught woman requesting therapy for anxiety and depression in reaction to the 2016 presidential election of Donald Trump. I listened twice to make sure I hadn’t missed something. I hadn’t. There were no other issues. This woman wanted therapy for political distress.