The election of Donald Trump as the next US president has created uncertainty among many Norwegians. This is noticed by several of the helplines that offer someone to talk to when you are in a crisis situation. In the course of a day, around 800 call the Church’s SOS. Of the conversations that the volunteers managed to answer, around 25 per cent in the last few days have been from people who are worried after the American election, Secretary General Lasse Heimdal told news. – It is about a lot of anxiety and fear of the future. We have had people ask where there are bomb shelters, and whether there might be a war in Norway now. Secretary General of Church SOS, Lasse Heimdal. Photo: Martin Gundersen / news Fears an unstable world Mental health has also noticed an increase in attendance after the election results in the USA became clear, says general secretary Linda Berg-Heggelund. – We notice an increase both on the helpline and in our chat. There are many who are worried after the election, and what this will mean for security and stability. Many are worried about what will happen in the Palestinian territories and Ukraine, and what Trump will do to try to end the war. And then there are many who fear that the USA will withdraw from NATO. – Many of those who make contact are worried about what Trump’s foreign policy will mean for Norway, says Berg-Heggelund. Women and children make contact Of those who have made contact with Mental Health, the vast majority are women, while those who make contact via chat are children and young adults. Many of the young people are particularly concerned about increasing unrest in the world. – Several people say that the anxiety has increased after the election results became clear. Secretary General Linda Berg-Heggelund in Mental Health. Photo: Emilie Gjengedal Vatnøy / Mental Health And there has been a large increase in grandparents who have contacted Mental Health, says Berg-Heggelund. – They make contact because they are worried about their grandchildren and their future in a troubled world. Unusual It is very unusual that so many calls to the helpline deal with one and the same topic. As a rule, it must then be about events that make a strong impression on many people, according to the Church’s SOS. – We have to go back to the tsunami in Thailand, Utøya or the death of Ari Behn. So this is not common. But it is clear that the American election has made an impression and is shaking many people in Norway as well, says Heimdal. Heimdal believes that such major events can have a triggering effect for many who are already struggling with something from before. – Many of us have a lot in our baggage, and there are many in Norway who live with fear of the future. Then one and the other comes to the top. This is something Mental Health also notices. – This is often a person who is already restless. In addition, there are many people who are lonely, and who don’t have many people to talk to when they get scared, says Berg-Heggelund. Are you worried after the US presidential election? Yes, absolutely! No, this will probably go well Don’t know, we’ll have to wait and see Show result Trying to be nuanced The Church’s SOS encourages people to talk to each other about what makes you afraid and uneasy, and to share what is difficult. – And it is especially important to take care of the children. They also follow on social media and TV. When they realize that world leaders and those who are supposed to be role models use language and expressions that the young people were put under house arrest for using, it can be perceived as frightening and disturbing, says Heimdal. Do you need someone to talk to? Berg-Heggelund in Mental Health says they try to meet people about their fears and what they are anxious about. – It is a real fear. But we also try to nuance the picture, and perhaps turn the focus towards what works. In addition, we encourage people to take some time off from news and social media. We have been very busy with the American election in Norway, so it is no wonder that this is something many people are busy with. Published 08.11.2024, at 11.27 Updated 08.11.2024, at 11.28
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The helplines see a big increase after the election in the USA – news Norway – Overview of news from different parts of the country
