By admin 
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – The voting may be over, but the conversations about the election and politics continue. And those conversations can cause tensions to rise.
Many people use social media to share their thoughts. Despite all the online rhetoric, mental health professionals said there are a few things you can do if you have trouble talking about politics.
“Setting boundaries around conversations, how much do you want to talk about the elections?” said Emma Harding, director of education and outreach programs at Tanager Place.
”Take breaks from your screens. Stay away from doom scrolling,” says Kurt Rogahn of NAMI.
Kurt Rogahn, program coordinator for the Linn County chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI, said it’s important to know when to talk about politics with friends and family.
“Know your limits. There may be family members with whom you cannot discuss the election and who do not oppose people. Don’t work against yourself,” Rogahn said.
And with some extreme discussions online on both sides of the conversation, Harding said limiting time on social media can help some keep their mental health in check.
”Also limits around social media and how much news you watch. For some people I think this might help them. And for others, it can cause more stress,” she said.
Harding added that if you’re worried about setting those boundaries with friends or family, it can help to practice what you want to say.
“Really taking a few minutes to really analyze what the best route is for you, but really adhering to some of those boundaries so you can have some kind of protection over yourself and that’s something you can control,” said Harding.
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