How to Cope with Worry and Fear of New Policies in the U.S. Under a New President

Five way to cope with worry about the new president in counseling.

Learn more about Individual Counseling for Anxiety.

In This Blog, You’ll Learn:

How to manage anxiety about political changes
Ways to stay informed without feeling overwhelmed
Your rights as a permanent resident or green card holder
How therapy can help you navigate uncertainty

If you’re feeling anxious about the changes happening in the U.S. under the new president Trump, you’re not alone. Political shifts often bring a mix of emotions—uncertainty, fear, anger, and even hopelessness. You might be worried about policies that could impact your rights, your loved ones, or the future of the country.

It’s normal to feel this way. But the key is finding ways to manage your worry so it doesn’t take over your life.

Understanding Political Anxiety

Fear of the unknown is powerful. If you’re constantly checking the news, scrolling social media, or engaging in debates that leave you feeling drained, you might be experiencing political anxiety. It can manifest as:

Racing thoughts about worst-case scenarios
Trouble sleeping due to stress
Feeling on edge or easily irritated
A sense of hopelessness about the future

These feelings are valid, but they don’t have to control you. A therapist can help you build skills to manage your emotions, regain a sense of control, and focus on what you can do, rather than what you can’t.

5 Ways to Cope with Worry and Fear About New Policies

1. Stay Informed but Set Boundaries

It’s important to know what’s happening, especially if new policies could impact you or your community. But doomscrolling won’t change the outcome, it will only increase your stress. Try setting limits on how much news you consume. For example, check updates once or twice a day instead of constantly refreshing your feed. If certain sources make you feel more anxious, find neutral, fact-based reporting instead.

2. Focus on What You Can Control

You may not be able to change national policies overnight, but you can take action in meaningful ways. Taking even small steps can make you feel empowered instead of helpless.
This could mean:

Educating yourself about your rights as a permanent resident, green card holder, or U.S. citizen
Connecting with advocacy groups
Voting in local elections
Supporting causes that align with your values

3. Take Care of Your Mental Health

Chronic worry about politics can lead to burnout. Make self-care a priority by:

Getting enough sleep
Exercising to release built-up stress
Engaging in activities that bring you joy
Practicing mindfulness or meditation

Talking to a counselor can also help you process your emotions and develop healthier coping mechanisms. If you’re looking for the best therapist Montclair NJ has to offer, therapy can be a safe space to navigate your feelings without judgment.

4. Stay Connected to Supportive People

Isolation can make anxiety worse. Reach out to friends, family, or a therapist if you prefer working with someone who understands your perspective. Being part of a community can remind you that you’re not in this alone.

5. Know Your Rights

If you’re a permanent resident, green card holder, or immigrant, it’s essential to know where you stand legally. Changes in policies can be confusing, but here are some key rights to remember:

Green card holders have the right to live and work in the U.S. permanently.
You are protected under U.S. labor laws and cannot be deported without due process.
You have the right to legal representation if questioned about your status.
You are entitled to public benefits like healthcare and social security under certain conditions.
If you are eligible, you may apply for U.S. citizenship after meeting residency requirements.

If you’re feeling uncertain, consider speaking with an immigration attorney to clarify any concerns.

How Therapy Can Help You Feel More Grounded

Feeling anxious about political changes is understandable, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. The best therapy near me can help you:

Process your fears in a healthy way
Learn to challenge anxious thoughts
Develop coping skills to reduce stress
Set boundaries with media and social interactions

Whether you prefer a therapist or counselor or someone with a different approach, the important thing is finding a therapist who makes you feel heard and supported. If you’re looking for voted best therapist in the area, reaching out for help can be the first step toward feeling more in control, even in uncertain times. You deserve to feel safe, empowered, and mentally strong, no matter what’s happening in the world. Therapy can be a valuable tool to help you navigate change with confidence. If you’re ready to start feeling better, consider booking a session with a best counselor near me today.