Election Wellness Guide
Election Wellness Guide
It’s no secret that election season is stressful. With the continued rise of political attacks against the LGBTQIA+ community, a lot of us are feeling the impact of this election on our mental health and wellbeing. It can be challenging to manage the onslaught of news, political ads, and campaign texts in addition to the day to day stressors we are currently facing. This is why we wanted to share some of our favorite tools and tricks that can help get us through in one piece.
Step number one: make a plan on how you’re going to cope. In my previous life as a therapist, we would call this coping ahead. Let’s say election day feels like the biggest stressor for you, then take some time to think about what you can do on election day to help support yourself. What does your schedule look like that day? Who can you reach out to? How can you take breaks to engage in small things that help you feel joy, peace, or relaxation? You can see an example and learn more about coping ahead here. Check out some of the community resources listed below to see what you might be able to add to your own personal plan.
Increase Your Community Connections
Being in and with community is one of the number one ways we can increase our resilience and regulate our nervous systems. Having someone to text or call who understands what you’re going through can really make all the difference. We can build community in many ways including through peer support groups, such as some of those listed below. Don’t forget that work and school are also a potential place for community. So maybe you have an LGBTQIA+ Employee Resource Group or Affinity Group at your workplace, maybe your school has a GSA, if not, this is a great time to start one! If your group is already in place, make a plan to meet and be in community during election week. If you need some ideas on how to build community check out some of the options below.
Queer Asterisk has several options for groups and community including their recent community conversation series: Politics & Mental Health: A Community Support Series
Fireweed Collective Virtual Groups
Yarrow Collective peer support groups
Trans Center of the Rockies Groups
Build Your Mindfulness and Meditation Skills
There’s a reason your therapist keeps bringing these up, they really do help! However if words like meditation or mindfulness give you the ick, don’t worry! What we’re really talking about is finding ways to be present and notice the here and now.
So, maybe you’d like to try out a local yoga studio (also be a great way to build community support). Certain studios such as Harmonist Sanctuary and Courageous Yoga have classes specifically for LGBTQIA+ individuals. Or you can download an LGBTQIA+ focused mindfulness app such as Voda or Evolve. You can also try mindful drawing or journaling exercises.
Find A Therapist
Therapy can be a great place to learn more coping skills and have a place to develop relational support. While therapy is not always accessible to everyone, many mental health organizations in Colorado offer sliding scale options. You can check out some of the great agencies listed below or you can find individual therapist options on directories such as Inclusive Therapist, Therapy For Black Girls or LatinxTherapy.
Therapist of Color Collaborative
Get Involved
At a simplistic level fear and anxiety are building energy for action - think running away from that bear in the woods. So, maybe part of your plan is finding a way to feel like you are contributing to something larger than yourself during this election season. This could look like getting involved in some local grassroots campaigns, volunteering at an animal shelter, or volunteer with us!
Whether it is in this guide or elsewhere, we hope you find the support you need to keep showing up for yourself and for the LGTBQIA+ community. Remember, regardless of what happens on November 5th, we are in this together and we will keep working on building a world where everyone feels safe, accepted, and loved.
