As We Rapidly Approach the 2020 US Election Results...
We need to prepare mental health wise for all possible outcomes. It’s highly likely we will not know the confirmed results until a couple weeks after the election. Regardless of outcome, this will be a stressful next couple weeks and we MUST prepare our mental health toolkits. With your partner, family, or friends write down or make a toolkit including:
A safe place to go virtually or IRL (park, friends’ house, family member’s place, meeting or support group)
Loved ones to call/check in with (write them down!)
A list of your trusted coping mechanisms
Something tactile and soothing (favorite crystal, stim toy, stuffed animal, comfy clothes, candles, skin care or blanket)
Safe and easy foods/meals (buy your favorite frozen meal/snacks/drinks, eat whatever you need to without shame/guilt)
Your refilled anti-anxiety medication (or CBD products, herbal tea, smokables/edibles, whatever you prefer no judgement!)
An affirmation list ex. “I am safe right now”
CBT/DBT worksheets & my Anxiety Masterpost
Crisis Hotlines, AA/NA Meeting/Support Group Links, or your Counselor’s Number (ex. my therapist is avail Election Day to text/call)
Pick out, pre-purchase, or set-aside your favorite comforting movies, TV shows, podcasts, or media
If you’re the type who wants to volunteer, sign up to phone-bank or text bank in swing states on election day / this week (that’s what I’m doing)
In the worst case scenario: prepare your protest or mutual aid kits and/or pick a local mutual aid organization to volunteer with
Give this written list to your partner, bff, or family in case you have a freeze response or anxiety attack so they know how to help you
Lastly, DON’T FORGET TO BREATHE, in fact, take several slow deep breaths right now
Community Resilience protects and helps all of us.
pixelskylines
romaincrisis
germansingergirl
