Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth through Political Uncertainty

in ACS Institute of Psychotherapy & Training / Anxiety / Intern / LGBTQ Issues / LGBTQ rights / LGBTQ youth of color / Mental Health / Mental Health / Self care / Stress / Stress Management  by Adolescent Counseling Services 0 comments

Written By: Nat Bricker, Clinical Intern at ACS, Outlet Program

THE RECENT ELECTIONS

in November 2020 were accompanied by significant stressors for many people. These stressors were particularly salient for individuals holding minoritized identities whose rights hang in the balance. In particular, there have been a number of recent anti-LGBTQ+ policies enacted and proposed, so, understandably, LGBTQ+ youth have been facing high levels of stress, anger, frustration, and hopelessness . The current political uncertainty results in a flurry of new emotions for LGBTQ+ youth: hopefulness for policies in favor of their rights and continued stress, anger, and uncertainty about what the future will hold. With these unprecedented times of significant stress related to the election, alongside ongoing stressors associated with COVID-19 and the national reckoning with anti-Black racism, it is crucial to support LGBTQ+ youth to the fullest extent possible. Below are tips and resources that can be helpful for LGBTQ+ youth to use themselves and for adult allies who support LGBTQ+ youth.

 

Focus on What is Within Your Control

Large-scale stressors such as elections, the pandemic, and the effects of systems of oppression can incite feelings of hopelessness due to feeling powerlessness to address the situations. A key way to reclaim power in one’s life is to focus attention on what is within one’s control.

Think of it like this: every situation has two parts – a part one can control and a part one cannot control. Depending on the situation, one part may be larger than the other; the part one cannot control can be particularly daunting for societal issues such as those currently affecting the nation. That part can be even more significant when you are a youth with limited control over your life to begin with.

But remember – there are still parts you can control even in those situations. You can make choices about when and how you interact with the news. You can choose who you spend your time with and prioritize your time with folks who feel supportive. You can choose to engage in self-care and coping skills (see below). You can choose to get involved in social justice advocacy through your school, with your peers, online, and/or in your local community. Even focusing on choices as simple as deciding what to wear, who to hang out with, and how to spend your free time can begin to fight feelings of hopelessness and increase empowerment.

 

Engage in Self-Care

Maintain a routine – Structure and consistency are shown to reduce stress. Focusing on parts of routine you can control can also increase empowerment.

Practice deep breathing – Deep breathing helps calm down the body’s response to stress. Examples include 3-4-5 breathing, box breathing, and following guided diaphragmatic breathing videos.

Go on a walk – There are multiple benefits to going on a walk: you can get outside and enjoy the fresh air, you get to move your body, and you can see green from various plants, which is shown to improve mood.

Do something nice for yourself – Take a bubble bath, dress up, get yourself a treat, make yourself a fun meal/snack/drink, take some time to play your favorite game – anything you enjoy to show yourself some love!

Listen to music (and dance!) – Music can be a great distraction and avenue for letting feelings out. Adding in the movement of dancing can let the emotional release feel even more satisfying!

Engage your senses – Touch something soft, pet a pet, fidget with a fidget toy, smell a candle, slowly eat a piece of candy or your favorite food – engaging your senses can be calming and grounding if you are feeling overwhelmed or numb.

 

Reach Out for Support (and Support the LGBTQ+ Youth in Your Life)

During times of stress, it can feel difficult to socialize. Many people find themselves withdrawing from loved ones. This can be counterproductive because isolation fuels distressing feelings like anxiety, sadness, and hopelessness. It can be really helpful to reach out to trusted friends, family, and allies about your feelings to vent, get emotional support, or get help distracting yourself from everything that’s going on. For adult allies, reach out to the LGBTQ+ youth in your lives to check in on how they are doing and give them support if they need it.

 

 

Resources:

If you or a loved one are feeling hopeless or are in danger of harming yourself, please reach out to one of the following hotlines:

For additional information about coping skills, see this handout.