Jillian Amodio | Source | Licensed Social Worker LMSW at Waypoint Wellness Center

“Elections inherently come with high stakes and, not surprisingly, can be overwhelming to a great number of people. They influence significant aspects of our lives, from policies to societal norms,” Jillian Amodio, a social worker, author and founder of Mom’s for Mental Health, says. “So, it can be incredibly stressful when we feel like we are not in control over decisions that impact us in highly personal ways.”

PRIDE

Validating the very real fears the young person in your life is dealing with will help them feel less alone, but finding a connection will provide long-term benefits. Amodio says to tell queer teens that their “concerns, fears, and worries are valid” and “your existence and your experiences matter.” She also recommended having them reach out to The Trevor Project and PFLAG for support and guidance. “Find people you can talk to who love you, accept you, and support you,” she says. “You are not alone and you deserve to feel safe and supported.”

TODAY
“The concept of open relationships has been around for as long as humans have been around,”
When it comes to establishing boundaries, blanket rules like “No cheating” or “No sex” might not be enough, because these phrases could be open to different interpretations, Amodio says.
“I see clients who are in monogamous and relationships who are extremely happy. I see clients in monogamous relationships who are miserable,” she says of seeing clients in polyamorous relationships with the same

“There’s this misconception that, ‘Oh, if someone is engaging in an open relationship, if someone is looking outside of their marriage or their committed relationship for sex or intimacy, something must be wrong.’ And that’s just not the case.”