Friends,
This next week is going to be one of the most stressful and uncertain times for many in our nation. We have election stress on top of pandemic stress, which includes caregiver stress, economic stress, and isolation. In addition, many people who belong to one or more marginalized groups in our country are genuinely concerned about their basic human rights and safety, especially depending on how the election turns out. Here are some things you can do, starting now, to help:
1. Gather and share important mental health resources: The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255 and suicidepreventionlifeline.org. Also, look up and share the mental health hotline for your state. For example, I live in Iowa, so it's http://yourlifeiowa.org, which includes a 24/7 call, text, and chat box options with a live person. It's a crisis line as well as information and referral service--and they will connect you to a counseling agency near the caller's location. It covers suicide/ depression, problem gambling, and substance misuse. All of these could go up significantly in coming weeks; they have been steadily increasing since the pandemic started. (If you can't find your local info, Iowa is part of the reciprocal crisis line network, so you can contact them and get to your state's information if needed).
2. Publicize this resource information in your circles/ contexts. Think beyond social media--get this into your church/ congregation's bulletins and newsletters throughout the next month.
3. Please don't post any jokes or statements about needing to drink alcohol or consume substances to cope with whatever may be happening over the next few weeks. Gently encourage friends to take down posts like this if you see them. Over-consuming alcohol and other substances will exacerbate symptoms of anxiety and depression. This can help save lives--the potential for overdose is real.
4. Encourage patience and calm related to the election over the next few weeks. It will likely take more time than usual to count up and certify the ballots, especially with higher than usual turnouts and pandemic precautions. Encourage your people to take any early news reports 'with a grain of salt.' Repeat these messages of patience and calm routinely throughout the ballot counting process.
5. Help ensure everyone in your circles (all the folks listed above) is able to vote if they want to vote, in any way you are able: offer rides, share how and where to go to vote, call them up and ask if they've voted or want to vote if eligible. Make sure they know to have any required documents with them (check your state/ local policies).
6. Tell your people (friends, family, neighbors, coworkers, students, congregation) that you love them no matter what happens; that you are here for them; that they are not alone; that you will help them however you can if they are afraid, upset, lonely, hurting. Tell them you are willing to advocate for them and accompany them if they are part of one or more marginalized groups that may face additional burdens depending on the election results (and be prepared to act on that offer if asked).
7. Think of who among your people may have a particularly hard time following the election, and make a list now of who to call and check in on. Help them create a safety plan if needed. For example, I have a child who is transgender and multiracial and hasn't been doing well since November 2016--and I will be in full Mama Bear mode until I know we're out of the woods.
8. Tend to your own selves as well: what do you need to cope safely through these next few weeks? Prepare those things. Consider taking extra time off when you can do so. Share the load of caregiving among your congregation/ context by forming a team, if such a team doesn't already exist.
I know this is a lot. These are unprecedented times.
What matters most in these coming weeks is that we all stay alive, stay safe, and stay healthy.
Please feel free to share/ copy/ paste/ adapt; and I welcome additional suggestions/ feedback.
Peace to you, and thank you.
