The Psychological Impact of Brexit Division

The impact of Brexit on those living and working in the UK cannot be underestimated. Indeed, this tumultuous process has left an indelible mark upon the UK and its inhabitants. The political pendulum we have all been living with induces a high degree of stress, and the knock-on effects of an uncertain political and societal future can be difficult to manage.

The term 'Strexit', whilst slightly comedic, also has a real and difficult meaning, and has been slowly creeping into our wider consciousness over the past few months. The stress of not knowing where we are or where we might end up is understandably worrying, and the adoption of the term 'Strexit' encapsulates well the difficulties inherent in this political breakup, and what it might mean for us at a personal level.

A landscape of division

We live in an increasingly divided and polarised world where powerful ideas and feelings are present irrespective of your political standpoint. This political landscape is increasingly split, and somewhat binary, either left or right leaning. In many ways, this is representative of a current world view, where other countries are separated in a similar fashion.

Brexit has created a genuine and powerful time of uncertainty for many of us living in the UK and abroad. Fears about where, how or when our home might be changed, or whether we will still be welcome are difficult to understand and manage. The global political landscape is also shifting, as are the views and ideas about the future of our planet.

It can be difficult knowing where or how one can fit in this changing landscape, and often it can feel as though there is a need to choose a side in order to find a place to fit in and settle. Yet, surely we cannot think in such binary or concrete terms, surely grey areas exist and require some discussion and thought?

Deep uncertainty has given way to powerful climate of division, where people are unsure of their position and what the future may hold for them or those they love. It would seem that this division creates and sustains ideas around separation and loss, and perpetuates themes of abandonment and isolation. These ideas further propel a notion of division over unity, when what is required is the opposite.

This, I believe, is where psychotherapy offers a unique and meaningful way of understanding the divisions and splits brought about through Brexit, and how we can negotiate and consider them more carefully.

How psychotherapy can help navigate a split political landscape

Psychotherapy has an incredibly important role in these times of division, confusion, uncertainty and upset. This position is one of bringing together disparate, confused and divided thoughts and feelings, both at a personal and societal level, and providing an opportunity to explore them. Offering the individual the chance to consider not only their experiences, but the wider impact of the current climate. Psychotherapy offers the chance to hold in mind multiple positions or feelings, without the need to condemn or champion them. To inhabit the ambivalence of the world, to explore how differently we might feel from one day to the next, as we may feel differently about the ever changing political landscape.

These polarised times can leave us feeling split, unsure of positions we once thought were reliable or sustainable, and questioning aspects of our lives, work or relationships. When the outside world feels uncertain, so too can our internal world, and the impact of the political decisions certainly do not occur in a bubble, and we are not immune from policy makers or politicians in Westminster. Psychotherapy isn't just about understanding the individual's struggles and difficulties, but also about understanding those faced by us all on a social and global scale.

Psychotherapy offers you a space to:

• Investigate, consider and be curious about the world we live in
• Think about the positions and roles we take up during times of uncertainty
• Consider our ideas about Brexit, and how it makes us feel
• Examine the changing relationships we have, and the impact Brexit has on them
• Consider the unknown, and how uncertainty makes us feel
• Reflect upon the concepts of home, security and fear at losing these