Maintaining Relationships During An Election Year

This may be the most insidious result of our current elections: tension within, or even the destruction of relationships. Whether it be family or friends, elections can get in the way of our connections.

Connection with others is a primal need. At one point in human history our very survival depended on our connections to others in the group. While most of us live a more isolated and independent lifestyle now, our brains, our nervous system, and our well being are still dependent on our connections to others.

So here we are, already isolated as a society, and our nearest and dearest connections are in jeopardy. So, what do you do?

What Can I Control?

Focus on what you do have control over. You can decide to talk about election issues with those in your life or not. In a more perfect world, it would be normal and healthy to discuss and debate the issues. However, now, more than ever, we must also consider our own mental well-being when thinking about having these conversations.

Hold Your Boundaries

When things are stressful, emotions are high and the potential for drama exists, boundaries can be your best friend. Know what you can handle and when. Insist on holding boundaries for yourself when you feel it is necessary.

Easier Said Than Done?

Sometimes this advice is easier said than done. It is why I very much dislike most mental health memes. “Hold your boundaries,” “Be happy.” As if it were really that simple!

If you are struggling with the idea of holding boundaries, just don’t know how to implement them, or have a lot of emotions or even trauma responses when thinking about holding boundaries, give me a call. These are good indicators that there are underlying issues that you need to address.

I help people address those underlying issues. Feel free to reach out if you are in AZ, CO or WY and would like to learn more.

AndreaHarbeck@Proton.me

www.DesertBloomTherapyEMDR.com