Helping Our Families and Neighbors

Lari Hatley, Director of Donor Engagement

For many of us the national election results were devastating. That wasn’t true just for those of us of voting age. My granddaughter, Hallsey, is 12. She and her friends had followed the election on social media. My daughter had taken her to several rallies. Hallsey even heard Kamala speak in person. My granddaughter was full of hope for the future of her country. 

Then came election night. 

At 2:00 in the morning, my daughter found Hallsey curled up in bed, in the fetal position, sobbing. Hallsey was devastated. 

So, my daughter sat with her. Hugged her. Cried with her. And when the sun came up, she called me. As a former school teacher, my daughter thought maybe I would know how to help. As a former teacher I knew that if you don’t know the answer, you find an expert. So, I asked a professional. Well, three professionals, and they shared a list of resources that help young people dealing with stress, anxiety, and despair. 

Resources for Us All

Hallsey is not alone. Maybe you have children who are worried by the election outcomes. 

Here are some resources shared by Louise Coggins, Jonathan Fisher and Jeanette Sarbo. Spoiler alert! Some things that help: Sit together. Hug each other. Cry together. Listen. Be kind. Be gentle. Be loving. It’s very healing.

1. NAMI Teens – Offers mental health resources, articles, and a forum for teens to cope with anxiety and grief. NAMI Teens
2. Teen Mental Health – Provides educational materials and tools tailored to help teens understand and manage big emotions. Teen Mental Health
3. Mindfulness for Teens – Features guided mindfulness exercises to help teens manage stress and find calm. Mindfulness for Teens
4. Three “What to do Guides:” Helping Kids Help Themselves.
   • What To Do When You Worry Too Much
   • What To Do When the News Scares You
   • What To Do When Climate Change Scares You