It is already time for another presidential election… as if 2020 wasn’t just yesterday.
For the past decade, politics have become an increasingly pounding headache dividing our nation and influencing hostility. Many are at each other's throats, constantly demanding to prove a point rather than have a willingness to understand the opposing side. These people may feel safer to defend themselves. Others may be more on edge; there is worry about offensiveness, confusion on values, and the inability to keep track of all the overwhelming information. Some prefer not to disclose anything to maintain their safety. However, these people are not being heard when maybe they should be.
My family fled to the United States due to political persecution from war. We remember feeling a massive relief to be among the American people where we can freely wave the American flag and be open about our opinions. There was a sense of harmony and patriotism at the time. What has happened to it since then?
Regardless of how one chooses their political values or expressions, there is evidence supporting that politics can negatively impact one’s mental health. Politics can trigger:
Chronic stress
Emotional dysregulation
Poor self-care
Difficulty with concentration
Lack of sleep
Anger issues
Hopelessness
Strained relationships
Therefore, it is important to consider how we can cope with these difficulties for the upcoming election. Here are a few strategies:
Set boundaries with social media. It is helpful to consistently educate yourself to be aware of current events, but at some point, it can get to be too much. Research has shown that social media tends to depict content more negatively than they actually are. Know when to take a break from the scrolling.
Create healthy boundaries with others. This upcoming election may create a lot of challenges in relationships with family, friends, and coworkers. Know who you can have amicable conversations with and with whom you may need to set a boundary that you cannot speak about such topics. If someone has an opposing view and you are open to hearing it, try asking them how they came to their opinion, thus creating a possible opportunity to learn more about that person and where their opinion may have come from. In return, you may create the opportunity to share how you came to your beliefs. You may be surprised to find that you possibly have some ideals in common with them if you approach the conversation with openness, empathy, curiosity and respect.
Practice self care. You can take care of yourself by eating a nutritional diet, engaging in routine exercise, getting quality sleep, engaging in personal hobbies, practicing mindfulness, spending time with healthy relationships, and creating a work/life balance. These all can help reduce stress.
Reflect on your values. Think about what matters most to you. Do research, have open conversations, and consider listening to the other side. Check in with yourself. It is okay to be confused about what you believe in. It is also okay to be confident in your beliefs.
Connect with others. Seek social support with those you trust and feel most comfortable with. Talk to your friends, family, coworkers and/or your therapist. You are not alone. We can heal when we connect with one another. If you find yourself increasingly more anxious or down and need to speak with a therapist, we provide both in person and virtual appointments to teens and adults and are in network with Blue Cross Blue Shield and Aetna. Call 201-749-1750 to make an appointment today.
Erna works with teens & their parents and adults. Her clients will experience an insightful journey of empowerment that will lead them to being more positive, self-loving, and hopeful for the future.
Erna Buljko, LAC
To make an appointment, give us a call at 201-749-1750
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