Waiting for last week’s election returns was a bit like waiting for test results from your doctor. On Nov. 5, half the country received positive news, while the other half saw results more alarming than expected. Then, the stock market rose, boosting the mood for some, while others experienced a deepening sadness as the votes continued to be counted. Like any major news, it takes time to mentally process, adapt, and prepare for what lies ahead. We are in the early stages of understanding our new reality, with much more to come.
Having practiced psychiatry for over 30 years, I’ve often observed that “good” news doesn’t always bring the anticipated outcome, while “bad” news often improves with time or reveals unexpected silver linings. I anticipate the same will be true as we move forward with Trump’s second term. Whether this moment feels exhilarating or deflating, the true impact—positive and negative—will become clear with time.
