Election season can be a divisive time for families, friends, co-workers, and especially communities that frequent the comment section of social media posts. With early voting being a new option for Connecticut voters, the “I Voted” comments are kicking off political conversations in a variety of environments, including the workplace.
This year has many important issues on the ballot which will impact our communities and our nation. The issues and considerations before us as we vote are rooted in our personal beliefs – which is a common cause of division. As human beings, we are naturally protective and even passionate about our beliefs. They drive us, inspire us, give us purpose, and shape our world views. Yet, without giving the time and space for differences in those beliefs – this is when conflict arises.
We’ve seen this across the country. On the news, in our workplaces, in our neighborhoods, and even in our homes. It’s important to protect our mental health this election season by combatting the potential stressors and creating safe environments for civil and respectful dialogue. It is possible to work together, no matter who or what you vote for (or against) this season, as long as we can agree on some core values.
Let’s look at MHC’s core values for some inspiration to provide healthy boundaries to help us all navigate election season and protect our mental health.
Safety: At MHC, we value physical, emotional, and creative safety. Having safe environments for everyone to live, belong, thrive, and express themselves is vital to a mentally healthy environment. Let’s commit to creating and sustaining safe environments for everyone – regardless of their political affiliations – and to welcome everyone as part of our shared community. If you feel you are in an unsafe environment, help is available.
Respect: We recognize, appreciate, and embrace our differences, assume positive intent, and meet each person and community where they are. We may not agree on every issue at hand, but in order to respect those differences and each other, we must be willing and open to listen, learn, and grow. We may find that our beliefs and stances no longer serve us and in that openness to change, we allow ourselves the opportunity to create unity. As El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz once said…
“Once we have more knowledge (light) about each other we will stop condemning each other and a united front will be brought about … We need more light about each other. Light creates understanding, understanding creates love, love creates patience, and patience creates unity.”– El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, 1964
Support: There are many ways we can support each other to ensure a mentally healthy election season. Let’s consider setting clear and healthy boundaries as our first step of support. Be honest and open with those in your environments regarding the level of dialogue you are willing to share and to receive. If you prefer not to discuss the election in a specific environment (or any environment) that is your choice and when we are following our value of respect, others should value that request. When we respect our choices to engage or disengage in political conversations, we are showing support for those decisions and for each other.
Another tip for support is to vote in numbers. Some polling locations can be intimidating or overstimulating. If you need support getting to the polls, call a friend or loved one and make a plan to vote together.
Accountability: It’s important to be accountable for our words and our actions. This includes the choices we make in the voting booth and what we advocate for in public spaces. By educating ourselves and being open to diverse perspectives, we give ourselves the best standing to make an informed decision and spread accurate facts on the issues. When engaging in political conversations, try using “I” statements to share your personal thoughts and opinions, not speak on behalf of a group or others.
It’s important not to make assumptions that everyone in a given environment agrees with your statements. By using “I” statements, you are clearly communicating your accountability and allowing others space to share theirs. Be sure to acknowledge that there is more than one side to every issue and practice patience when inviting diverse opinions.
Trust: The final core value of MHC is Trust. We strive to be good partners by building and sustaining trusting relationships with all whom we encounter. We encourage you to build trust in your community by reflecting these values and showing kindness and patience to everyone.
What an exercise in civility it would be to enter a space where everyone could openly share the things they value, the things they believe, and the goals they have for their communities. Let’s start with a conversation on our shared values to find common ground. Explore what you value and how it’s represented in your choices this season.
As we vote and await the outcomes of this year’s election, please be kind to yourself and to others.
Looking for information on voting in Connecticut? Click here for a list of candidates, sample ballots, early voting, where to vote, and additional information.
Need support this election season? Visit Mental Health America’s 2024 Election Mental Health Resources for their Voter’s Guide, tips on coping with election stress, navigating social media guides, and links to mental health screenings.
