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, May 20 2013 7:30 PM EDT2013-05-20 23:30:05 GMT
There are new developments in the murder of a young woman in Grosse Pointe Park. Police have a person in custody in connection with the death of Sabrina Gianino, who was found strangled last week.
There are new developments in the murder of a young woman in Grosse Pointe Park. Police have a person in custody in connection with the death of Sabrina Gianino, who was found strangled last week.
Friday, May 17 2013 8:43 PM EDT2013-05-18 00:43:34 GMT
Sabrina Gianino was found dead with a cord around her neck inside a Grosse Pointe Park home early Thursday morning. The medical examiner has ruled her death a homicide.
Sabrina Gianino was found dead with a cord around her neck inside a Grosse Pointe Park home early Thursday morning. The medical examiner has ruled her death a homicide.
Friday, May 17 2013 7:48 PM EDT2013-05-17 23:48:59 GMT
A Molotov cocktail was thrown through a kitchen window of a waterfront mansion on Whittier Street in Grosse Pointe Park around 3:20 a.m. Friday. Fortunately, someone inside put it out.
A Molotov cocktail was thrown through a kitchen window of a waterfront mansion on Whittier Street in Grosse Pointe Park around 3:20 a.m. Friday. Fortunately, someone inside put it out.
Thursday, May 16 2013 9:37 PM EDT2013-05-17 01:37:11 GMT
Livonia firefighters had to break the windows of a ranch home on Oporto, trying to get to the homeowner. Once inside, they found the 60-year-old woman and her three dogs in a bedroom overcome by smoke.
Livonia firefighters had to break the windows of a ranch home on Oporto, trying to get to the homeowner. Once inside, they found the 60-year-old woman and her three dogs in a bedroom overcome by smoke.
Thursday, May 16 2013 7:03 PM EDT2013-05-16 23:03:37 GMT
He is an aging war hero with an aging dog named Buddy that has been his faithful companion for 14 years. However, he can't care for him any longer, and his son says the last thing he wants to do is put the dog to sleep.
He is an aging war hero with an aging dog named Buddy that has been his faithful companion for 14 years. However, he can't care for him any longer, and his son says the last thing he wants to do is put the dog to sleep.
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.
