*As the holiday season approaches, many individuals find themselves grappling with complex emotions stemming from the recent presidential election results, particularly among communities disproportionately affected by the current political climate.
With President-elect Donald Trump securing reelection, a prominent mental health expert has made headlines for advocating that individuals feel justified in severing ties with relatives who voted in opposition to their rights and well-being.
In a recent appearance on MSNBC, Dr. Amanda Calhoun, chief psychiatry resident at Yale University, discussed the emotional turmoil that many liberals, particularly within the LGBTQ and minority communities, may experience during the festive season.
These groups often feel vulnerable and unsafe following the election outcome, prompting an essential conversation about the importance of mental health and emotional self-care in such trying times.
“We know that there’s been a vast increase since the election – a 700 percent increase in calls from LGBTQ youth to The Trevor Project,” noted MSNBC host Joy Reid, highlighting the significant distress within vulnerable demographics. This staggering statistic reflects the very real impact that political decisions can have on people’s lives, especially those whose rights may be perceived as under threat.
Dr. Calhoun echoed Reid’s sentiments, underscoring the importance of self-preservation. Speaking directly to viewers, she asserted that individuals facing difficult family dynamics should prioritize their mental health, stating.
“So, if you are going into a situation where you have family members, where you have close friends who you know have voted in ways that are against you… it’s completely fine to not be around those people and to tell them why,” Calhoun told Reid.
For LGBTQ or marginalized individuals, the realization that family members may have voted against their rights can be a deeply hurtful revelation, creating an obligation to reassess relationships.
Avoiding uncomfortable conversations or enduring potentially harmful interactions during family gatherings can have long-lasting effects on one’s mental well-being. Dr. Calhoun encourages individuals to assert their rights to set boundaries. “You need to take some space for me,” she suggested may be a suitable response to loved ones who supported a candidate whose policies and statements many find reprehensible.
Navigating the complexities of familial bonds while managing the aftermath of an election can be especially challenging. Yet, prioritizing mental wellness is paramount, according to mental health professionals. Dr. Calhoun advocates for transparency, encouraging individuals to express their discomfort directly: “I have a problem with the way that you voted because it went against my very livelihood.”
As families begin to gather for the holidays, many may find themselves at a crossroads. Whether to maintain connections with relatives who supported a politically divisive figure is a personal decision, but one that should prioritize emotional health above all else. Ultimately, as Dr. Calhoun advises, establishing boundaries can be a crucial component of caring for oneself in an increasingly hostile environment, ensuring that the holiday season remains a time for love and healing rather than discomfort and strife.
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