Mental health patients in Madison seek help after election

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Psychiatrists and other therapists in the Madison area say their clients are feeling anxious about President-elect Donald Trump’s plan based on his campaign rhetoric.

The Wisconsin State Journal (http://bit.ly/2gev5Oi ) reports that Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton beat Trump 70 percent to 23 percent in Dane County, so most people there didn’t expect the election to turn out the way it did.

Licensed clinical social worker Meagan Geurts says many of her clients have been talking about their election blues instead of their personal problems.

Donal MacCoon of Madison Psychiatric Associates says women who’ve been sexually abused are having their experiences “re-triggered” by a man who has previously made comments that appeared to condone sexual assault.

MacCoon also said he’s been treating University of Wisconsin staff who are worried about their minority students.

“It’s dramatic on a number of levels,” MacCoon said. “It’s affecting their lives personally, but even beyond that, it’s affecting their communities and how they feel. How do they honor their own ethical obligations?”

Emilie Sondel of the same practice says she’s been trying to help her clients channel their frustration and anger and put it toward positive efforts.

“How can you use your energy to let people know that this doesn’t feel okay to you?” she said. “Is there a peaceful protest that you can become a part of or are there certain people in your life that you need to sit down and talk to and try to gain an understanding?”