Transforming Election Stress into Resiliency
By Margaret R. Paccione-Dyzlewski, PhD & Ellen Hallsworth
With just weeks to go before one of the closest US Presidential elections in history, new research from the American Psychological Association has shown that nearly 70% of adults say the presidential election is a significant source of stress in their lives.
At a time of deep division, the fact that the election and its outcome on the future of our nation are affecting our mental health seems to be one of the few thoughts that most Americans share.
It is well-documented that stress on parents affects children’s well-being and behavior. So, it is likely that political uncertainty is not only contributing to adult anxiety and worry but impacting children and families too. After all, our kids are major stakeholders in issues such as school shootings, climate regulation, LGBTQ issues and healthcare coverage. Combined with a barrage of political advertising in some states, rolling news coverage and the increased prevalence of the election and political division on social media and TikTok, this could create a perfect storm for youth mental wellness.
The good news is that there are things that parents can do to minimize the impact of election stress on their kids.
Plan the Conversation
Before you talk to your child, it is helpful to understand some of the dynamics around the election and be able to explain them calmly and straightforwardly. It is also helpful to be able to explain the process and to be able to separate that from wider political concerns.
Sort out your feelings first. It is important to understand the stress and anxiety that you are feeling around the election. Children can sense when adults are nervous or anxious. That doesn’t mean you have to hide your feelings. It is fine to let kids know that you are experiencing uncertainty and finding ways to handle this unique situation. Discuss your feelings and model your successful coping mechanisms.
It is good to be prepared. Take time to think about what you want to say and find a quiet place to talk. You might want to think about other times of uncertainty as a way of reassuring your child that we can get through tough things. If you are able to talk calmly and confidently, it will be reassuring for your child.
Focus on Discussions
Ask the child questions. It is helpful to understand what your child knows about the presidential election. Not everything they may have heard from friends or on social media may be accurate or age-appropriate. Understanding what worries your child can help you to address their concerns, establish the facts, and move on to talk about feelings.
At the same time, give your child space to ask questions. Be truthful as you respond. Be confident, but it is fine if you do not know all the answers to questions posed by your child. Consider researching facts together. Children are all unique in the way they process the world, and open dialogue gives you an insight into this.
One of your most important roles as a parent or caregiver is to provide reassurance. Encouraging your child to come to you with any questions or concerns will also help to reestablish a sense of safety.
Take Care of Yourself
You need to put on your own oxygen mask first in order to help your child. Make sure that you are taking breaks from news, the latest polling data and social media. Model to them that friendships, music and other activities, exercise and time outdoors can all help during times when the world seems stressful and hard to control. Show your child how to create a support system that can nurture them.
You can also model for your child what healthy engagement in social and political issues looks like by volunteering and helping to build community in positive ways.
Get Help
Lastly, if you or your child are experiencing ongoing signs of stress on anxiety, and that’s impacting your ability to function on a day-to-day basis, reach out to your pediatrician or primary care physician or talk to school or other community resources about possible sources of support.
Get Mental Health Care
We’d love to connect you or someone you know with mental health care. To refer a child/teen/adolescent or yourself, please call (877) 992-2422 or click here to make a referral. Bradley REACH’s expert teams of psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and nurses provide intensive mental health care and therapy to teams and families, virtually, in New England, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Florida.
DISCLAIMER:
The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
If you or your child are in crisis or experiencing mental health problems please seek the advice of a licensed clinician or call 988 or Kids Link in Rhode Island.
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