Help for Pre and Post Election Stress with Prairie ConlonHelp for Pre and Post Election Stress with Prairie Conlon
Mental Health News Radio
Join Kristin and Prairie as they discuss the collection stress we are all under in 2020. They also talk about some things you can do to help your mental health as you navigate through our upcoming presidential election. Prairie Conlon is a...
52:13•29 Oct 2020
Managing Election Stress with Prairie Conlon
Episode Overview
- Election stress can impact mental health.
- Therapists often avoid political disclosure.
- Animal-assisted therapy supports mental health.
- Social media can increase disrespectful interactions.
- Researching political issues benefits mental health.
“Therapy is about support and finding solutions that work for that person in a non-judgmental and safe place.”
In this episode of Mental Health News Radio, host Kristin Sunanta Walker welcomes Prairie Conlon, a licensed mental health counselor and expert in emotional support animals. As the world navigates a tumultuous political landscape, particularly around election time, Prairie and Kristin delve into the stress that can accompany these events and explore strategies to maintain mental well-being. Prairie Conlon, renowned for her work with military service members and families, shares insights into how pre and post-election stress can affect individuals.
She emphasizes the importance of therapists maintaining a neutral stance on political matters to preserve the therapeutic alliance with their clients. This approach helps create a non-judgmental and safe space for clients to explore solutions that work for them. The discussion also touches on the role of social media in exacerbating disrespectful interactions, as people often feel emboldened to express their views online in ways they might not in person.
This trend has, unfortunately, made face-to-face disagreements more common and aggressive. Prairie advocates for the benefits of animal-assisted therapy, highlighting how emotional support animals can provide comfort and aid in managing stress. She notes that political participation, such as researching issues and voting, can positively impact mental health by fostering a sense of agency and informed decision-making. Listeners are encouraged to limit their exposure to distressing news and social media if it begins to interfere with daily life.
By focusing on personal values and informed choices, individuals can navigate political stress more effectively. Throughout the episode, Kristin and Prairie provide valuable insights and practical advice for those feeling overwhelmed by the current political climate. Their conversation underscores the importance of maintaining mental health and well-being in challenging times.

Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!
More From This Show
The latest episodes from the same podcast.
Related Episodes
Similar episodes from other shows in the catalogue.
