Elections & Your Mental Health

We hope you enjoy our November Mental Health & You Column
 
We are releasing this to you early due to the
topic and to share these helpful steps
 
Thanks for reading, and please share!
Conversations for Hope | Diana Kendros and Jan Sickler

In This Column:
Mental Health Strength During Elections

In this Column, we are sharing a timely article that can help us to understand how to handle the Stress Between Now and the Election - and afterwards.  ​

​It doesn't look like the political fallout from this election will be ending November 3rd - or soon thereafter. There is every reason to believe the confusion and commotion will continue, if not increase, in its wake.  
So it might be wise to prepare ourselves with sound advice and tools to cope with the tumult that is to come.  

Mental health experts say people are feeling especially stressed about this year’s presidential election, and that stress is compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, along with the concomitant economic uncertainties and pressures. And we know that stress can cause mental health problems, as well as undermine our physical health. 

Some helpful ways to cope include talking to others about our feelings, as well as managing our exposure to social media and the news. 

According to our Psychology Today article, the good news is that we can take steps to stay mentally strong during election season. Managing stress and making a few environmental changes can go a long way toward helping us weather a bitter political climate.
 
We appreciate your support!
Stay Safe and Healthy, Diana and Jan

---

5 Ways to Stay Mentally Strong
During Campaign / Election Season

1.Save your Breath.
Some people fear that not speaking up means they aren't being heard. 
 
2.Set Healthy Boundaries.
You don't have to listen to other people air their political opinions, especially if the climate is aggressive or hostile. 
 
3.Think Realistically About the Future.
It's easy to imagine doom and gloom if your candidate doesn't get elected. But catastrophic predictions aren't helpful.

4.Limit your media consumption.
While some people find joy in reading the latest political commentary, it can take a toll on many of us.

5.View election season as an opportunity.
Rather than blaming the campaign for draining your mental strength, look at it as an opportunity to build mental muscle.

Read Full Article Here

Psychology Today

---

New Audio Program - Sign up to Listen!
Jan asks Diana about her decade-long journey with
her son, Demitri and the details of his courageous recovery. 

A special message from Demitri about his tools for recovery.

YOUR FREE GIFT!
Receive Diana's Revised eBook edition when you sign up to listen to our free audio program!

Sign Up To Listen

​WHAT IS LIVED EXPERIENCE?
Parents and Families with
Lived Experience offer support and are care-givers to a loved one who is living with a mental health condition.

Please stay safe and healthy
 
Learn More About our Podcast