Activated by the election?

The election has brought up a lot of difficult emotions. People are cutting themselves off (no judgement here!) from people in their lives who supported the opposing candidate and are feeling lost and confused and, for a lot of my clients with trauma histories, wondering how to make sense of a world that doesn't feel welcoming to them. 

I hear you. I get it.

If you need to remove people from your life who are toxic to your mental well-being, whether temporarily or permanently, that can be a part of healing. 

If you refuse to allow other people to invade your space with negativity, whether in person or on social media, you are absolutely allowed to that. If you don't want to forgive folks or if you just need time away to gather your strength and courage to move forward in a way that feels safe for you, do that. Unfriend, block, whatever feels safest for you. You're allowed to stay true to yourself.

I know a lot of people insist on forgiveness to those who hurt you. If that's necessary for you, then work on ways to forgive. But if you don't feel like forgiving folks who won't acknowledge that their voices are harming you, hold off. Your feelings are VALID. 

If you need a safe space to discuss this, as home may not be a place where conversation around politics is welcomed, please turn to a mental health professional. Confidentiality, safety,  and non-judgmental support are available for you.

Take care of yourself, okay? You're worth taking care of.