The Relationship Between Mental Health And Politics
In the Spring of 2016, I had a feeling that wouldn’t go away. I felt like I needed to write about the election that we were experiencing at the time. It didn’t make much sense. I was a long time mental health professional. Had dabbled in writing, but nothing major. The feeling wasn’t going away. It was keeping me up at night. Much like that mosquito buzzing around your head you can’t get rid of. I spoke to a respected colleague and asked for his thoughts. He told me two things that stuck with me. First, when something like that happens we’re supposed to pay attention to it. There’s a reason it won’t let go of us. Second, it made perfect sense that I should feel pulled this way, because in case I hadn’t noticed there were mental health issues when it came to politics. With that guidance, I wrote my first book encouraging people to vote from a nonpartisan standpoint.
That book would be followed last year with primary focus being on mental health though again some political issues seeping in.
This brings me to our current election which is in full swing. For me, Mental health is front and center on a few fronts.
As this election season has waxed on, I’ve been reminded of divorcing parents who are pulling their children from both sides, wanting the children to choose them while at the same time bad mouthing the other parent. It’s ugly. It’s divisive. It’s stressful for all involved. Everyone needs a time out.
With Election Day upon us, my vote is cast. All that I could control I have. Now my focus is on how people have been impacted and what will happen once the outcome is determined. Our differences and the divisions along with damage that has occurred during these last several months won’t be resolved at the end of the election. We all will have much work to do to heal.
Collectively speaking, people long ago abandoned their sensibilities. The temptation to influence or judge one another just too great to resist. Thanks to social media there has been no shortage of anger, attacks, hurt feelings, and the parting of ways for so many one time friends.
People have abandoned what they have control over for their perceived power through social media. They have false courage as they type words of hate, virtually pointing fingers all the while daring the people on the receiving end to disagree with them. Aching for a fight. No regard at times for their fellow human. Their fellow American.
Lines often drawn as if we are enemies if we disagree. Speaking in absolutes and sure their point of view is not only right, but the ONLY truth. Not considering that the person who disagrees with them likely feels as strongly about their point of view and can’t be swayed. Disagreeing doesn’t make one wrong and the other right. It makes us diverse in our views. But, in our current climate of absolute thinking and the ensuing chaos, we are driven to our corners, seeking likeminded friends as opposed to compromise and solutions. The division has grown wider and deeper.
Anxiety is as high as I’ve seen it in a long time. The impact of what is happening amongst our leaders has trickled down. There’s no comfort or direction coming from them. We must take care of ourselves and each other. While this election has heated up, likely you’ve still been dealing with life. Feelings of being overwhelmed, getting sick, marriages being strained, caring for elderly parents, family or friends with a chronic illness. Someone you love passing away. Job stress. All this and more still happening; contributing to your physical and mental health. Ask yourself, “am I making time for myself or my family? Or, have I been taken over by feelings of anger, anxiety and being overwhelmed?” If your answer is the second one, how tired are you right now?
Many have been taken over by the anger, anxiety and feelings of being overwhelmed. Those who have been immune from these, have often stood back in judgment. Rather than extending a helping hand to those in distress judgment is passed and the division that so many see and feel only widens.
People from all walks of life have felt this never ending election stress. People of great faith. People who have doubts in a higher power and those who don’t believe. So many shaken to the core and distressed by the battle going on in our politics today. These feelings of anxiety and helplessness don’t discriminate. It doesn’t mean you don’t have enough faith. It doesn’t mean you did something wrong. Congratulations. It means you’re human.
I’m a person of faith. I do not push this on anyone or judge them if they believe differently. I’ve heard God brought into the election and it’s been disappointing to me. Absolutely I understand people praying and asking for guidance for themselves. But when it comes to thinking God has anointed one candidate over the other or one is a savior, I’m out. I believe that we were given Free Will. We the people will choose our leaders. Full stop. Whatever has happened or will happen going forward is on us. God doesn’t step into politics. We make our own messes. Our responsibility to clean it up. I do read the Bible and while I’ve seen it as a guide and comfort I’m saddened by those who use it as a weapon in politics and the election. This has been harmful to the mental health and division we now face as well.
In the next days, weeks and months, lets us commit to focusing on better self care as well as caring for family and friends. Let us lay down our arms (judgments).
To help cope with the stress and anxiety, I’ve attached a list of things you can do to help on your new journey.
Be mindful- take time time each day to fovus on the present; pushing away the past and future. Take two deep, full breaths and then just nice consistent, controlled breathing.
Listen to Music- preferably instrumental of something that helps you feel calm. Suggestion: Brooklyn Duo or the Piano Guys are both very good.
Unplug-stay off your devices for a minimum of two hours. The longer, the better. This is especially helpful at bedtime.
Stretch-exercise is so helpful when dealing with anxiety and feelings of being overwhelmed. Stretching is especially good for an overall feeling of wellness. You don’t need special equipment to do it. A mat on the floor is helpful, but you can use a blanket. Really stretch.
Walk a Labyrinth-There are at leastntwo in my community. If you google (before you unplug), they have locators to tell you where they are all over the Country and world. A great way to find calm and peace. If you don’t have one near you, then walking at a park will still benefit you. Be active. Both ways can help your body and your mind.
Volunteer-whether it be at a church, animal shelter or soup kitchen or drive a senior/disabled person to a medical appointment, it can be very helpful and fulfilling to volunteer. There’s no shortage of opportunities.
Be well. Take care of yourself, your family and friends. Here’s hoping and praying we are able to go forward together. Be part of the solution!
Blessings,
Tammy
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