This research predicts that the current sociopolitical climate will negatively affect the mental and physical health of marginalized groups. Concerns about hostility and discrimination or, in some cases, the possibility of sudden deportation and forced separation from one’s family, can lead to increased symptoms of anxiety and depression that can, in turn, result in increased visits to health care providers and emergency departments. How can clinicians respond to these “postelection side effects”?

First, health care providers can address the emotional distress that some of their patients may be feeling. Some clinicians have reported increases in stress and anxiety among people receiving psychotherapy.24 A New York City internist who works in a primarily immigrant community reported providing a sedative to a patient who presented with panic symptoms before an immigration hearing.25 Simply prescribing benzodiazepines or other palliative agents may be a less-than-optimal approach to comprehensively addressing what could be long-term heightened distress and concerns.

Clinicians should also be aware that whereas some patients may feel comfortable seeking help at local health agencies, social hostility renders many people less likely to use health care and social services. At a minimum, it’s important that health care providers actively work to create safe spaces, where patients’ fears and concerns are listened to and met with compassion and support. Within clinical encounters, patients should not be left with the burden of initiating a discussion about social stressors. Rather, clinicians can actively and sensitively inquire about patients’ experiences, worries, and fears and the effects that they may be having on the patient’s health and symptoms.

Second, clinicians and health care organizations can take a strong stance against hate crimes, discriminatory political rhetoric, and incivility. It is also important to make clear that their services are provided to all, regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, socioeconomic status, religion, or citizenship status.

Third, in anticipation of an increase in stress-related clinic visits, health care systems and clinicians can educate themselves about local and federal policies and their effects on vulnerable people and ensure that patients understand their rights and avenues for seeking help. Clinicians can be prepared to provide additional clinical and ancillary support and to actively connect vulnerable patients and families with local advocacy groups. Making such connections would require strengthening alliances with community organizations, such as churches and other service organizations outside of the health care institution that can provide aid to people facing social and health challenges.

Fourth, clinicians can seek to enhance and affirm the resilience resources that patients have that may reduce some of the negative effects of stress on their health. Research on discrimination reveals that these resources may range from positive social ties and optimism to spiritual or religious involvement.22

Fifth, as members of their communities, clinicians can also consider more active engagement in advocacy and policymaking. They can begin within their own institutions to generate greater awareness of the challenges faced by stigmatized populations and to foster a culture of inclusion with a greater emphasis on promoting health equity. Approaches could include requiring antiracism and bias training, as well as cultural competency training, for all staff.

Clinicians can also participate in relevant community meetings and conversations to discuss the health impact of social policies and raise awareness of their impact on marginalized groups. In addition, community-based interventions can be designed and implemented. For example, given the prevalence of explicit prejudice and discrimination in K–12 settings, pediatricians could work with local schools and school boards to raise awareness, provide training for teachers, and assist in the development of school-based interventions to build a culture of respect and tolerance and reduce the anxieties and fears of stigmatized young people.26,27

Finally, the health care community can advocate for research and initiate studies that systematically assess the health effects of the societal climate and policies. Future research could delineate the psychosocial and biologic pathways by which these effects occur and identify the factors that facilitate effective coping and resilience. Relatedly, studies are urgently needed that can inform effective community interventions for mitigating the potential negative effects of social hostility on health.