Psychologist says Romney's loss 'like a death' for some
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By Amy Lange Fox 2 News Reporter
BIRMINGHAM, Mich. (WJBK) -- The re-election of President Barack Obama was a hard-fought victory for Democrats coupled with an equally hard loss for Republicans who believed Mitt Romney would win.
"To a certain extent, this is like a death. It's like a death or it's like a divorce. It's a major loss," said Dr. Howard Belkin.
The psychologist says people will go through the grieving process -- surprise, shock, anger and denial, then acceptance.
But it's clear from a glance at Twitter or Facebook many people aren't there yet.
"I am crying now," posted one person.
"It's hopeless," wrote another.
"Is this the worst thing that could happen," asked one young man.
"Sad day America." "Hope you bought guns now." "Stock up on your food."
We all have friends, family or coworkers too upset to even go to work today. Then there is the racist, anti-Obama graffiti spray painted on the fountain at Grand Circus Park. Are we just too deeply divided to heal?
"The election's over. One party won. The other party lost. We have closure on that now. It's really time to get back to our regular lives," Belkin said.
He recommends getting back to your routine -- kids, work, school, friends and family -- and he says go back and clean up your social media.
"Read what you wrote last night and selectively delete the things that you really don't want to have there anymore. I think that could save a lot of relationships. That could also probably save a lot of reputations, also."
The doctors says there's a message here for those who won. Don't gloat. Just be gracious.
"It's time to be both good winners and good losers."
Monday, June 17 2013 9:27 PM EDT2013-06-18 01:27:07 GMT
The jury in the manslaughter trial of Detroit officer Joseph Weekley did not reach a verdict on Monday. The jury has now deliberated for two full days.
The jury in the manslaughter trial of Detroit officer Joseph Weekley did not reach a verdict on Monday. The jury has now deliberated for two full days.
Friday, June 14 2013 5:57 PM EDT2013-06-14 21:57:29 GMT
Jurors have gone home without a verdict on the first day of deliberations in the trial of a Detroit police officer charged in the shooting death of a 7-year-old girl.
Jurors have gone home without a verdict on the first day of deliberations in the trial of a Detroit police officer charged in the shooting death of a 7-year-old girl.
Thursday, June 13 2013 5:44 PM EDT2013-06-13 21:44:55 GMT
It was a day of dramatic testimony in the manslaughter trial of the Detroit cop charged with killing seven-year-old Aiyana Stanley-Jones as Officer Joseph Weekley took the stand in his own defense.
It was a day of dramatic testimony in the manslaughter trial of the Detroit cop charged with killing seven-year-old Aiyana Stanley-Jones as Officer Joseph Weekley took the stand in his own defense.
Monday, June 10 2013 7:55 PM EDT2013-06-10 23:55:49 GMT
Testimony got emotional on Monday as the jury heard from Aiyana Jones' grandmother, but the defense questioned whether she has told two different accounts of what happened.
Testimony got emotional on Monday as the jury heard from Aiyana Jones' grandmother, but the defense questioned whether she has told two different accounts of what happened.
Friday, November 9 2012 1:12 PM EST2012-11-09 18:12:21 GMT
A White House official says President Barack Obama is inviting Congressional leaders of both parties to the White House next week for talks on how to avoid the so-called fiscal cliff.
A White House official says President Barack Obama is inviting Congressional leaders of both parties to the White House next week for talks on how to avoid the so-called fiscal cliff.
Wednesday, November 7 2012 10:02 PM EST2012-11-08 03:02:16 GMT
Sometimes the Election Day projections are wrong. Republican Kerry Bentivolio was declared the winner of the partial term left by Thaddeus McCotter in the 11th District, but not so fast.
Sometimes the Election Day projections are wrong. Republican Kerry Bentivolio was declared the winner of the partial term left by Thaddeus McCotter in the 11th District, but not so fast.
Wednesday, November 7 2012 9:27 PM EST2012-11-08 02:27:26 GMT
"To a certain extent, this is like a death. It's like a death or it's like a divorce. It's a major loss," said Dr. Howard Belkin.
The re-election of President Barack Obama was a hard-fought victory for Democrats coupled with an equally hard loss for Republicans who believed Mitt Romney would win. "It's like a death or it's like a divorce," said Dr. Howard Belkin.
Wednesday, November 7 2012 8:30 PM EST2012-11-08 01:30:20 GMT
In a letter to Governor Rick Snyder before the election, Roy Roberts threatened to step down if Proposal 1 failed, but Roberts is now backtracking saying he will stay at his post.
In a letter to Governor Rick Snyder before the election, Detroit Public Schools Emergency Financial Manager Roy Roberts threatened to step down if Proposal 1 failed, but Roberts is now backtracking saying he will stay at his post.
Wednesday, November 7 2012 7:28 PM EST2012-11-08 00:28:37 GMT
Kerry Bentivolio is the newly elected congressman for the sprawling 11th District. The seat formerly occupied by Thaddeus McCotter is now his and he's ready to go to Washington.
Kerry Bentivolio is the newly elected Republican congressman for the sprawling 11th District. The seat formerly occupied by disgraced Congressman Thaddeus McCotter is now his and he's ready to go to Washington.
Wednesday, November 7 2012 6:37 PM EST2012-11-07 23:37:07 GMT
Proposal M passed with flying colors with more than 60 percent of Detroit voters in favor.
Proposal M passed with flying colors with more than 60 percent of Detroit voters in favor. Once election results are certified, individuals 21 and older can legally possess and ounce or less of marijuana on private property.
Wednesday, November 7 2012 5:24 PM EST2012-11-07 22:24:59 GMT
The victorious president said all the right things. He pushed all the right buttons as he launched into the next four years hoping for more bipartisan cooperation then he got in the last.
The victorious president said all the right things. He pushed all the right buttons as he launched into the next four years hoping for more bipartisan cooperation then he got in the last.
Wednesday, November 7 2012 5:01 PM EST2012-11-07 22:01:38 GMT
All major news agencies across the U.S project President Barack Obama as the winner in the presidential race, defeating Republican challenger Mitt Romney.
Barack Obama has defeated his Republican challenger despite a bitterly contested election that had the U.S. president's supporters fearful he was doomed to a single term.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 11:26 PM EDT2013-06-20 03:26:37 GMT
Mitchell Young's trial got underway on Wednesday. He is accused in the murder of Robert Cipriano and the beatings of Robert's wife, Rose, and son, Sal.
Mitchell Young's trial got underway on Wednesday. He is accused in the murder of Robert Cipriano and the beatings of Robert's wife, Rose, and son, Sal.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 9:52 PM EDT2013-06-20 01:52:15 GMT
The Detroit Red Wings and city officials on Wednesday announced a $650 million plan for a new arena development for the NHL team in Detroit's downtown entertainment and sports district.
The Detroit Red Wings and city officials on Wednesday announced a $650 million plan for a new arena development for the NHL team in Detroit's downtown entertainment and sports district.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 9:39 PM EDT2013-06-20 01:39:53 GMT
The state's school superintendent and treasurer could dissolve a deficit-ridden district and send the students to nearby schools under legislation narrowly approved Wednesday by a divided Michigan Senate.
The state's school superintendent and treasurer could dissolve a deficit-ridden district and send the students to nearby schools under legislation narrowly approved Wednesday by a divided Michigan Senate.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 9:33 PM EDT2013-06-20 01:33:24 GMT
Gov. Rick Snyder on Wednesday cut short his trade trip to Israel to return home and lobby reluctant fellow Republicans to expand Medicaid to more Michigan adults...
Gov. Rick Snyder on Wednesday cut short his trade trip to Israel to return home and lobby reluctant fellow Republicans to expand Medicaid to more Michigan adults, as the clock ticked before lawmakers break for the summer.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 9:21 PM EDT2013-06-20 01:21:00 GMT
Dequindre-Emery Playlot had become grossly overgrown. George Bearid said enough is enough and began mowing on Sunday. Now several neighbors have joined the effort to clean up the park.
Dequindre-Emery Playlot had become grossly overgrown. George Bearid said enough is enough and began mowing on Sunday. Now several neighbors have joined the effort to clean up the park.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 8:03 PM EDT2013-06-20 00:03:28 GMT
"I don't blame the clerk," Mike Duggan said as he ended his mayoral bid. Two courts ruled he cannot be on the ballot because he had not lived in Detroit for a year when he filed.
"I don't blame the clerk," Mike Duggan said as he ended his mayoral bid. Two courts ruled he cannot be on the ballot because he had not lived in Detroit for a year when he filed.
