by Aaron Warner

Two recent polls reveal something seriously amiss with our Democrat (re: liberal) neighbors.  Studies by Pew Research and the Institute for Family Studies-Gallup report a rise in poor mental health associated with politically liberal households. 

Pew Research indicates more than one in two (55%) “white women” who identify as liberal in their political ideology suffer from some form of serious depression or anxiety.  Subsequently, the Gallup study seems to confirm a household promoting a liberal worldview creates more mental illness than homes where conservatism is valued.  

The Pew study came on the heels of the COVID pandemic  which indicated significant increases in mental illness among both adults, teens and children with the majority plaguing persons from liberal leaning worldviews.  However the researches don’t draw a link to the pandemic itself but rather parenting styles. 

“Conservative and very conservative parents are the most likely to adopt the parenting practices associated with adolescent mental health,” study author Jonathan Rothwell, who is also the principal economist at Gallup and nonresident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, wrote . “Liberal parents score the lowest, even worse than very liberal parents, largely because they are the least likely to successfully discipline their children.”

Noting several key distinctions, chief among which were discipline coupled with affection and responding to their children’s needs, that leads to better quality relationships between parent and child.  

Researchers noted the downward trend in poor mental health extends back at least a decade indicating the COVID pandemic, though a contributing factor to the recent sharp rise, likely only exacerbated an already growing problem.  The serious consequences of this trend include increased suicide, depression and anxiety, among other problems. 

Another supposed causal link, yet to be determined, is the rise in social media consumption.  Parents of all backgrounds express concern over their children’s use and time spent on social media apps which is fraught with any number of worries, from access to pornography and anti-social behaviors including bullying. 

Though some might think socioeconomic status would as a driver the studies found that wasn’t the case.  “Income doesn’t buy better parenting and more highly educated parents do not score better, either” states one of the researchers.  Neither was race or ethnicity a significant factor.  The primary indicators were political perspective and parenting style. 

Parenting styles linked to poor mental health in children were either authoritarian, marked by harsh and cold dogmatism or permissiveness which lacks proper discipline.  So what is the ideal parenting style?  An authoritative approach shaped by clear boundaries and respect for the authority that establishes them coupled with a warm and responsive yet disciplined parent.  

Despite resuming normal activities post-pandemic mental health issues remain high among those already affected.  “White women, ages 18-29, who identified as liberal were given a mental health diagnosis from medical professionals at a rate of 56.3%, as compared to 28.4% in moderates and 27.3% in conservatives.” Given the lack of causal link to race, ethnicity, gender or socioeconomic status as opposed to political standpoint many questions have been asked as to why?

The typical scapegoat targets are fears over a rise in American’s openly promoting conservatism, the supposed threat of climate change, threats to women’s rights and other common talking points of Democrat politicians.  However the link to poor parenting styles and expressed ideology as foundational, coupled with race, sex and income as non-factors would seem to supersede these.   

A meme teasing liberalism as “a mental illness” took off around the same time as these studies came out, which would seem to defeat the purpose of conservatives wanting to “find a cure” at which the political joke aims to poke fun.  Anyone effected by or having loved ones who suffer from a curable mental illness, such as depression or anxiety, knows mockery of those suffering is not only unhelpful but can be easily seen as cruel. 

Taking the seriousness of someone’s mental health deficiencies is paramount to leading them to greener pastures, if in fact that’s the goal.  Raising awareness is the first step, however if conservatives do have a better approach to mental health for adults and children the best path to helping someone struggling is to offer compassion and kindness, even in these politically polarized times.  A bi-polar society is a society primed for mental health crises.  

Rather than continue to blame and shame one’s political opponents, even if they are doing as much to you, will only solidify the divide building a wall to tall to overcome for those looking to escape the pain of mental anxiety and depression.  

So what can be done?  

It would appear those on the left should take this science seriously and, per the wisdom of the pandemic, “follow the science” by adopting some of the things these studies reveal about successfully avoiding mental health issues in your home.  Adopt an “authoritative” style with yourself and your children while also practicing reasonable self-care and warmth with discipline as you make the necessary changes.  Social media consumption can be replaced with things like board games, low impact recreational games like pickle-ball, or walking with and talking to your loved ones while also extending your circle to include those outside of your political worldview. 

Those on the right ought step back from the “we told you so” style of condescension and derision in exchange for love and concern for your neighbors with whom you disagree.  Keeping of course your own authoritative values by not becoming permissive or authoritarian but instead maintaining healthy boundaries with warmth and love while offering what you know to be a better way of achieving mental contentment.  

Both political parties are guilty of manipulating their followers with heavy-handed and well proven tactics using fear to create compliance for whichever boogeyman they’ve created.  Stoking the fires with “Hitler” and “existential threats” or “liberal lunacy” and “we won’t have an America” are two sides of the same coin.  These tactics are great, as we’ve seen of late, if you want to make money for your political goals. 

Maybe instead of letting them make money off our differences we need to make change? 

Maybe this guy knew what He was talking about when he said: 

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor^[ and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Matthew 5:43-48)

The author is a VDC columnist and Upper Valley regional reporter. He lives in Hartford, VT where he owns two award-winning small businesses. He is a graduate of Leadership Upper Valley class of 2010.