Thanksgiving is approaching. As loved ones come together, should they keep politics on or off the table? 

We have seen the polarization between the left and the right seemingly increase to where it has taken a toll on relationships. But when did we get to a point in American politics where who you vote for can create such discourse?

“I think Donald Trump has a different style of politics than most conventional elected officials," said Luke Perry, distinguished professor of political science at Utica University. "He came with the business background, television background [and] no experience in government and he adopted a populous approach. He is trying to be charismatic and suggest that everyday solutions can solve the countries problems."

Perry says a lot of Donald Trump’s rhetoric is politically motivated.

"Trump’s political base is primarily noneducated white men," Perry said. "So the hyper-masculinity that we saw in this campaign cycle for instance is really designed to try to appeal to those people and turn them out to vote on his behalf."

But not everyone agrees with this rhetoric, which has caused a divide. Perry says there’s this larger process of self-segregation that has been prevalent for some time.

“They’re working at places that share their political views," Perry said. "They’re consuming news and social media that increasingly aligns with their views. So that self-segregation physically and virtually is very problematic because you don’t interact with a lot of diverse points of view if you’re only surrounding yourself with people like yourself."

“And because this is such an emotionally charged topic, people have been struggling I would say quite a bit more, that I’m seeing just in my practice and also my colleagues are seeing as well,” said Tammy Zumbo, a licensed clinical social worker at Mohawk Valley Counseling.

Zumbo says she is encouraging self-care for her patients.

“Getting outside, if meditation might be your practice, spending time with people that bring you joy. Maybe spending time with pets and exercising,” said Zumbo.

Zumbo says it’s OK to set boundaries.

“Setting limits as far as what you’re comfortable talking about and what you’re not comfortable talking about,"  Zumbo said. "You may make an agreement as a family or as neighbors or as friends that I love you and I respect you, I just would prefer to not talk about politics and say you know I don’t see things the way you do and I can still be your friend."