MEMPHIS, Tenn. — As the election cycle comes to an end, emotions continue to run high.
According to the American Psychological Association, 7/10 Americans said they were stressed leading up to the election.
Following Vice President Kamala Harris' concession to President-Elect Donald Trump, millions of voters experience enormous highs and lows.
The moment the race was called on major networks was a celebration for some and a disappointment for others.
Many, like Mid-South Trans Nation Founder Jenna Lee Dunn, feared this outcome.
“People are hurting this morning, they’re unsure of the future,” said Dunn.
Dunn and many others have now taken it upon themselves to help people grieve in the Mid-South the weekend after election.
“If anybody knows about mental health and depression, it’s me for sure. It’s hard, but you just can’t sit there and let it consume you," said Dunn, "If you need somebody to give you a hug, and a shoulder to cry on, you can do that.”
National organizations also rushed to show aid to people. The morning following the election, the Human Rights Campaign shared a list of mental health resources, including the 988 Hotline, Sage USA and the Trevor Project.
“It’s important for us to pay attention to that and just notice what we’re feeling, maybe even give words to that, because that helps us understand ourselves [and what we need] better,” said Renee Dillard, Director of Employee Assistance and Community Behavioral Health with Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare.
In an election where millions found themselves emotionally invested, Dillard said finding ways to cope can be important heading into the holiday season. Talking to close friends, taking a social media break and going for a walk are all good suggestions according to Dillard, even volunteering in your local community.
“That can be a good grounding technique for the moment, and also contribute some good to our community,” said Dillard, "When we are struggling with something, we tend to focus very much on what is not working well, what are we afraid of, what are we bothered by, and it's a good opportunity for us to notice that, and also reinvest some energy into what is working well."