Surviving 'Post Partisan Depression' Tips

Feeling Blue in a Blue State? Surviving 'Post Partisan Depression' Tips from Author Donna Zajonc

11/4/2004 10:32:00 AM

To: Assignment Desk, Daybook Editor

Contact: Kim Fuller, 206-780-9300 or 918-289-9450 (cell)

News Advisory:

WHAT: Donna Zajonc (SAY JOHN), author of the new book 'The Politics of Hope' is available to provide advice to those who are blue in the BLUE STATES who might be suffering from Post PARTISAN Depression.

WHO: Donna Zajonc, a Certified Political Leadership Coach, a former mental health nurse and was elected to three terms in the Oregon State House of Representatives starting at the age of 28. Zajonc co-founded the Bainbridge Leadership Center in Washington State. She is the author of the new book "Politics of Hope -Reviving the Dream of Democracy."

WHERE: Available via telephone or from Seattle, Washington

WHEN: Following the November 2, 2004 election

Background: As a former elected state legislator and a mental health nurse, Donna Zajonc, knows how important it is to pay attention to post-partisan depression syndrome. As a political leadership coach, Zajonc has a few recommendations to help manage through the post election transition period.

Advice for Post Partisan Depression

(1) Take Time. Avoid quick judgment or making sudden decisions. The body needs time to rest. Stay away from strident friends or listening to harsh media programs. Protect your psyche and do something fun.

(2) Grieve. Any loss involves grief and acknowledging your frustration and anger. Accept your feelings and understand that it is normal to feel depressed when your vision is lost.

(3) Dream again. If your candidate lost, you may have lost part of your dream. Begin again. Renew your dream by thinking about what you want for your family, your community and your children.

(4) Converse. It is important to share your dream with others and invite them to do the same: share and listen to those with whom you agree and disagree. This will be the most challenging part, but it is an imperative part of the process.

(5) Hope: Understand that breakdowns precede breakthroughs. Disappointment leads to new possibilities and we find hope in the face of defeat.

Healing your individual post-partisan depression will contribute to the collective healing of our American family. Let us use this time to grieve, reach out to one another, listen, converse and dream again.

EDITORS NOTE: Media wishing to interview Ms. Zajonc or to use tips from her recent article -- Post Partisan Depression -- can call Kim Fuller at (cell) 918-289-9450 or visit http://www.thepoliticsofhope.com.