If you’re anything like me, you’re feeling major political despair right now. And let’s be honest—political despair isn’t just “feeling bummed about the news” or wishing a different president had won the election or that Elon Musk didn’t do a Nazi salute. It’s that deep, gut-wrenching mix of fear, rage, and hopelessness that has you spiraling into Google rabbit holes about Project 2025 and LGBT-Q rights, crying into your coffee, or stress-eating an entire bag of chips at 11 p.m. (No judgment—I’ve been there.)
With Donald Trump’s inauguration and the actions he has already taken, you might be feeling hopeless and powerless. You may be asking, what will happen to the planet with global warming? What about women’s welfare, equity, or even just basic kindness? If it feels like every headline is a gut punch, you’re not alone.
And I want to validate that these aren’t just abstract worries. They’re real fears about the future of our planet. It makes sense that this is an incredibly heavy time. What’s I don’t want you to do is to try to white-knuckle your way through it, hoping the weight magically lifts.
That’s where EMDR therapy comes in—a tool that can help you process your emotions without spiraling deeper into the doom-scroll vortex.
Begin EMDR TherapyWhy Political Despair Feels Like Too Much
Political despair isn’t just about what’s happening now. For many of us, it touches on deeper wounds. Maybe it stirs up feelings of powerlessness, memories of not being heard, or the fear that things will never get better. These aren’t just passing thoughts—they’re things your nervous system latches onto, convincing you that you’re in danger and leaving you stuck in fight, flight, or freeze.
You’re not imagining it. That persistent pit in your stomach or tightness in your chest isn’t just “being dramatic.” It’s your body’s natural response to what feels like a real threat. And while you can’t logic your way out of it (trust me, I’ve tried), you can give your brain and body the space they need to process and heal.
So, How Does EMDR Therapy Help?
You might’ve heard of EMDR therapy as something people use for big, obvious traumas. And while it’s incredible for that, it’s also amazing at helping you navigate the slow, relentless stress of something like political despair.
Here’s how it works:
1. Make Space for Your Emotions
One of the first things we do in EMDR is create a safe, supportive space for you to actually feel your feelings. That might sound terrifying—like, who wants to sit with despair? But here’s the thing: avoiding those feelings doesn’t make them go away. I always say that trauma is like a beach ball—we can hold it underwater for a pretty long time, but eventually our hand is going to get tired and it’s going to pop up to the surface.
EMDR gives you the tools to face them in a way that feels manageable, not overwhelming.
Whether it’s grief over global warming or anger about injustice, we’ll work together to process those emotions so they stop feeling like an unbearable tidal wave.
2. Untangle Overwhelming Thoughts
When you’re stuck in despair, it’s easy to fall into black-and-white thinking: “Nothing will ever get better,” “I’m powerless to change anything,” or “The world is doomed.” (So fun, right?)
EMDR helps you identify these beliefs and reframe them in a way that feels more balanced. No, it’s not about fake optimism or pretending everything’s fine. It’s about creating space for truths like, “I can make small, meaningful changes” or “I’m allowed to focus on my own well-being, too.”
3. Calm Your Overworked Nervous System
Ever feel like your body is permanently stuck in panic mode? EMDR works directly with your nervous system to help it relax. Instead of staying on high alert, you can return to a state where you feel grounded and steady—even if the world around you still feels chaotic.
4. Honor Your Grief
Sometimes, what you need most isn’t to “move on” but to honor what’s been lost. Maybe it’s hope for the future, a sense of safety, or the belief that people in power will do the right thing. Grief isn’t easy, but it’s an important part of healing. With EMDR, you can hold space for your sadness without letting it consume you.
Begin TherapyYou’re Allowed to Be a Mess (Seriously)
If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or like you should be “doing more,” let me remind you: it’s okay to just be right now. You don’t have to have all the answers or spring into action. Healing isn’t a race, and burnout doesn’t help—not you, not the causes you care about, and definitely not the planet.
Some days, self-care might look like journaling your thoughts. Other days, it might look like eating a pint of ice cream in your sweatpants while watching Netflix. (Spoiler: both are valid.)
The point is, you don’t have to force yourself to “get over it” or “snap out of it.” Give yourself permission to grieve, rest, and focus on the small things that bring you comfort. That’s not giving up—it’s resilience.
Finding Hope Without Pretending Everything’s Fine
EMDR therapy will not magically fix everything or make you stop caring about the world. (And let’s be real, you wouldn’t want that anyway.) What it can do is help you find balance—so you can care deeply without feeling like you’re drowning.
Imagine being able to engage with the issues that matter to you without losing yourself in despair. Imagine feeling strong enough to take meaningful action, while also allowing yourself joy, rest, and hope. That’s what EMDR can offer: a path toward healing, not by erasing your emotions, but by helping you navigate them with grace and compassion.
Reach Out For EMDR Therapy
If political despair is weighing on you, you don’t have to carry it alone. EMDR therapy offers a space to process your emotions, shift overwhelming thoughts, and reconnect with your inner strength.
I offer online EMDR therapy for clients in Colorado, and I’d love to help you take the first step toward healing. Whether you’re feeling stuck, anxious, or just plain exhausted, let’s talk about how EMDR can support you in finding peace and balance.
Schedule a free 20-minute consultation today—I’d be honored to walk with you on this journey.
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Emma Kobil is a licensed professional counselor practicing online in Colorado and Florida. Her philosophically informed therapeutic approach focuses on helping creative and perfectionist women and couples practice self compassion. Learn more about Emma, or schedule an appointment, at mindfulcounselingdenver.com.
