Election Week Encouragement & Resource Guide
As we prepare for the end of the November 2024 election, we want to offer you encouragement and share resources that may support you through the emotions and uncertainties the coming days may bring. We understand this time may feel overwhelming, and you may be facing moments of fear, frustration, or uncertainty about the future.
While none of us can predict what lies ahead, it’s worth remembering that we (and our country) have endured through challenging periods before—times of deep division, political violence, and profound uncertainty. We also recognize that right now, there are very real and very big threats to the safety and well-being of many of us - primarily people of color, transgender folx and other LGBTQIA+ individuals, and people with uteruses. All of us at Tandem Columbus are here to remind you that we support your rights, your bodily autonomy, and your whole self; always. No matter the outcome of the election, we are here for you and we will continue standing beside you as we face whatever the future holds. By holding onto community and nurturing these bonds, individuals can often find both resilience and a sense of safety.
As you navigate this week, please know you’re not alone. We invite you to reach out, lean on one another, and remember the power of community. Together, we can face what comes with courage and care.
1. Empower yourself and others by focusing on the positive actions you can take.
Vote if you are eligible to do so and join voter registration drives to encourage others to put their voice where the ballot box is.
In these remaining days, volunteer to campaign for your candidates and local/regional and national ballot initiatives. Focusing on what we can control can help strengthen our resilience.
Attend meetings, peaceful protests, marches, and rallies to support the causes and issues you are passionate about. Explore our resources page for some (but not all) of the local and national groups we love.
2. Separate people (and their inherent value) from their viewpoints. Human relationships are complex, and it is normal to experience conflict within ourselves.
Remind yourself, “I can love someone without agreeing with them or even understanding why they think the way they do.”
Remember a time in your life when you believed something and then later changed your mind. It is human to experience conflict between our values, beliefs, and actions; alignment can be a lifelong journey.
Remember, we all have the potential to experience change.
It can be helpful to engage in affinity groups of people with similar identities and experiences.
3. Stay mindful.
Before you engage in a discussion/debate with someone who has an opinion contrary to yours, consider what your goal is. Are you really going to change their mind or get them to admit that you are right? Is it important in this time and space, nevertheless, for you to speak up even if to maintain your own self respect? Self-advocacy and intentional interruption of observed bias are important tools–will they be the most effective resources for you in the moment?
Acknowledge and validate the fears, anxieties and anger that you and the other person have. It can feel scary if you believe your rights may be taken away, that your values are being trampled on, or that your chances for a successful future are being diminished. It makes sense to feel angry in the face of what you perceive to be injustice and unfairness.
If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, practice a quick mindfulness activity such as box breathing.
4. Set boundaries.
Limit your exposure to political news and social media (e.g., 30 minutes a day). Be mindful of “doom scrolling”, and consider using a timer or simply uninstalling apps like Facebook or Instagram on your phone for as long as you may need.
Take mental and conversation breaks from politics (e.g., contemplate all the things you’re grateful for that day, talk about your non-political interests).
It’s ok to walk away from an overly heated conversation that doesn’t feel productive or meaningful.
5. Beware of disinformation.
Educate yourself about the facts and their sources.
Seek out tools to discern false information.
6. And remember: It’s ok not to be ok
If you are a member of a group that is currently facing serious impacts of hostile legislation, we see you and we are here with you. We are here to process your feelings of anger, grief, fear, and more in session and discuss the ways systemic change impacts your life.
Emotions may run high over the next few days and weeks. Practice giving yourself more grace than usual. Be gentle with yourself and others.
Rumination happens. Practicing ACT skill such as “Leaves on a Stream” can help you notice your emotions, and let them go.
If you are worried about relapse or regression with coping strategies, create a “menu” of self-care options in advance. Lean on options that help ground us (such as mindfulness activities), distract us (now is the time to re-watch comfort shows or movies), and nourish us (getting back to the basics of making sure you are well rested, feeding yourself, and staying connected with our support networks).
Consider utilizing DBT skills such as TIPP to help manage big emotions (TIPP: Stands for Temperature, Intense exercise, Paced breathing, and Paired muscle relaxation). See below for a link with a step-by-step guide. When you're feeling numb, disassociated, or just disconnected from your body, try eating something sour or spicy (Temperature)!
If you are struggling with election anxiety, help is available. Call or text 988 or contact Crisis Text Line by texting "ELECTIONS" or "ELECCIONES" to 741-741.
Additional Resources
How to Cope with Election Stress
How to Care for Your Mind – Mental Health America
“How Can I be okay when the world is terrible?”
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