COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV) – It’s no secret, tensions were high during this year’s election.

It’s a topic that has even divided families as they discuss who to vote for in the 2024 presidential race. National political topics have been divisive for some, even damaging long-standing relationships.

“This past election, as well as this election, I’m more estranged from my grandmother,” said Emma Smallwood, who recently cast her ballot for the election.

She explained that her grandmother’s political beliefs differed greatly from her own and that it was difficult to have those discussions.

“We try to have conversations with her that are really simple, but she always brings it back to politics,” Smallwood said, “and we’re like, girl, we don’t care what you think, it’s not right for us. ok but we just want to talk to you, we love you.”

She said the same thing happens with her father and she feels a change because of the direction some conversations go.

“It’s hard because I feel like politics has changed from opinions to morals,” she said.

It’s a trend that’s becoming more common, according to Kristyn Duffy, a therapist at Ellie Mental Health. She said people are feeling anger, frustration and a lot of the political talk has hit close to home for a lot of people.

When faced with a difficult conversation with family or friends, she said it’s important to understand where they’re coming from when they share their beliefs.

“I think that really trying to see someone else’s point of view will never hurt you. You don’t have to change your point of view,” Duffy said. “But if you come from a defensive position, it’s possible that someone else will meet you with a defensive position, and then the conversation will escalate.”

She said it’s important to listen to understand, rather than trying to permanently change someone’s beliefs. If this is a conversation you want to have, she said the important part of a conversation is to connect where you can and try to approach the topic with a desire to understand the other person’s point of view.

But if that conversation turns confrontational, Duffy said setting boundaries is incredibly important.

“I think everyone is allowed to have their own limits. If there’s a reason why that relationship is strained to the point where it’s not beneficial for either party to communicate about it, I can understand that,” Duffy said. “But I also think being able to set boundaries in the conversation will also be helpful, to say, you know what, I’m willing to talk about this and I’m not comfortable here anymore.”

Every family and friend dynamic is different, which is why Duffy said knowing what can and can’t be discussed without an unhealthy level of confrontation is key to keeping these relationships healthy when talking about politics.

And if there isn’t a way to have those conversations in a healthy and beneficial way, Duffy said it’s okay to walk away and set those boundaries by having a difficult conversation about what you’re not comfortable talking about.

“So sometimes being really real about where you are with the people around you, if it’s even possible to have that conversation in a way that’s respectful and helpful,” she said when she shared how to talk about politics in a healthy way.

And when you can’t have those conversations with the people you care about, she said relying on a support system, even outside of your family, can go a long way in making you feel safe and heard.

“Borders at their core … are not meant to keep people at arm’s length. They are meant to improve relationships and provide a solid foundation,” said Duffy.

If you need further help with your mental health and relationships, you can contact Ellie Mental Health to schedule an appointment. Here.

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