Rules to live by my parents always said, “Never talk politics or religion at family gatherings.”
It has been many years since I have heard those words, but they still carry the same weight. Why is that? What keeps us from discussing important topics with the important people in our lives? My theory is that we cannot manage the intensity of emotions that surface during such conversations. Yet, it does not have to be that way.
Think it Through
In college we learned about having such conversations using the method of Socratic Discourse. Simply put, we want to use knowledge and sentiment in a thoughtful and meaningful way. The term Socratic derived from the ancient philosopher, Socrates was a method developed for teachers and students to encourage critical thinking using open ended questions. The main components are to:
- prepare questions that will provide direction and meaning,
- encourage participation by involving all persons in the discussion, and
- allow everyone time to respond thoughtfully.
It also involves being open-minded, probing for the underlying beliefs that support their argument, create safety by not being intimidating, and do not be the “sage on the stage.”
The Holidays are Coming
This is post-election season, and Thanksgiving holiday for most Americans. You can bet there will be families struggling with post-election stress. While this is not an official diagnosis, it is a phenomenon people must cope with. They may lose sleep, become more anxious, have a sense of hopelessness, lose concentration, or show physical systems like stomach aches and headaches.
Researchers have found that this is not a mental health challenge but more a stress concern, such as worrying about the future of the country or getting into heated discussions with friends and families.
A few tips experts provide in this political climate are:
- take a step back,
- avoid over-stimulation with news and social media,
- practice relaxation and mindfulness exercises, such as yoga, and
- become more politically active when you want to channel the passion you feel inside.
If you find yourself continually challenged by these symptoms, consider reaching out to a professional counselor who has skills to navigate these challenging emotions.
Debbie LaBounty, LMHC, CASAC
