The Reagan-era notion of supply-side economic policies hypothesized that lowering the tax burdens on the upper end of the economic spectrum would allow for that money to “trickle down” into the rest of the economy, boosting income and opportunity for all.
Basically, imagine rainwater falling on a plant’s leaves and stem, above the ground. Then, the water eventually seeps through the soil to hydrate the rest of the plant and keep the roots below the surface healthy and thriving, and thus able to support the whole plant as it grows.
A grand concept, but one that is very obviously not the case in our capitalistic economy. And while this may not work in economics, we’ve seen this happen within mental health: what’s the “trickle down” theory of stress within family dynamics?
Stress is passed to those around us (i.e., our family and friends) because we humans are naturally sensitive and empathetic. When those around us exhibit signs of stress, our bodies naturally respond and emulate, producing stress that flows to those who are close to us (i.e., family members we may take care of, colleagues, children, partners, etc.). Sounds pretty trickley, right?
Undoubtedly, stress is contagious. This has been shown in studies concerned with babies catching it from their mothers, as well as adults being exposed to those exhibiting signs of stress. Another interesting study found that the human brain can even respond to airborne chemicals released by other stressed individuals.
Because many families often interact frequently and stay within close proximity (sometimes even in the same house), trickle down stress has the potential to really run rampant and cause a constantly expanding and flowing cycle of stress in a family. Think about the holidays, or times of transition, or moments of mourning… Stress often permeates in these times because of the nature of empathic humanness and trickle down stress.
How do we combat contagious stress?
There is no way to control all sources of stress in our lives. Coming to terms with this actually helps relieve stress; let go and stop worrying about what we cannot control. Our modern obsession with instant gratification, anti-uncertainty, and individuality often lead to higher levels of stress, especially when things are out of our control. We even made a few shirts about it. 🙂
Focusing on what is in our control, what we are capable of doing, saying, etc., is key to combating stress and preventing “trickle down stress.” Own your own crap so that no one else has to. And be willing to listen to others before you make your own voice heard. Your opinions and thoughts matter, but so do theirs. Humility can be contagious too.
Here are a few tips to prevent “trickle down stress”:
- Slow down to go fast – Whenever anxiety is muddled in with stress, things escalate quickly. Just remember to take a breath and practice mindful habits to transform what you’re feeling into something productive instead of explosive. Check out our blog on emotional alchemy (link blog) for more.
- Brush off the things that are out of your control – We’ve already stated it, but here it is again for good measure: just let go. You holding on tightly to an expectation or situation that you cannot alter is setting yourself up for a whole wide window of stress to come blowing in and trickling down.
- Make a plan that is built around adaptation – This is the practical side of acknowledging that we cannot control everything in life. Creating plans for the holidays that incorporate that one Auntie always showing up late is simple, and will allow stress to not enter whenever she (finally) does.
- Spend time helping others, and ask for help when you need it, too – You don’t have to go it alone! Family functions can be complicated, so being there to provide deescalation to others is a great way to minimize stress before it arrives. Just remember Tip 2 above (let go of what you can’t control!)
- Do what you’re good at and don’t do what you’re not good at – It’s all about boundaries. Within the context of families, clearly communicating what you are and are not willing to discuss or do with family members will minimize stressful times later on.
The trickle down theory may not work for economics, but it’s definitely true for family dynamics. As the holidays approach, we hope you’ll practice these concepts for a season of gratefulness. Follow us on social media!
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