#BlackMentalHealthMatters: 5 Self-Care Tips we can use while coping with Racial Trauma
Hello everyone. Hopefully you all have had a pretty good week even with all the emotional triggers the last two weeks alone have had.
As we take in the guilty verdict for Derek Chauvin’s trial for the murder of George Floyd, and we deal with the emotions of anger and sadness for another young Black man (Daunte Wright) and young Black child (Ma’Khia Bryant)being murdered at the hands of police officers, I felt this was the best time to discuss the importance of protecting our mental health when it comes to media coverage. It can become so easy to become desensitized to the constant murders of Black people at the hands of this system, so be careful.
The number of hashtags continue to increase as they appear on Instagram in post and stories almost daily. I don’t know about you all, but I battle with being so hurt for the fact that deep-rooted racism in this country continues to take the lives of my fellow brothers and sisters and with just being angry and tired of hearing the same news. Almost a year to the date that George Floyd was murdered, and we are still dealing with the same things.
Then again, let’s be real, we have been dealing with this long before May 25, 2020. Nowadays, as bodycam videos are released and bystanders are quicker to record the events happening with police, these brutal images and encounters are easily uploaded for millions to see on social media. Constantly seeing these images and videos and talking about the ill treatment of Black people by police and others in certain positions, can really take a toll on someone’s mental health. With that being said, I think it is important to talk about some ways we can be sure to protect our mental and take care of ourselves.
Here are some ways I believe we can process everything going on and try our best to cope with the racial trauma:
- Remember it is okay to not be okay. Sometimes, people feel like you shouldn’t be bothered with hearing about certain deaths because you don’t personally know the person. But that’s not true. You don’t have to know someone to be able to empathize and feel for them especially on a deeper level when you can relate to them. Allow yourself to feel and address those feelings. For me, I know I have been sad, anxious, angry, and then scared due to everything going on as a Black woman. We are human. Let’s normalize expressing our feelings instead of keeping everything in and allowing it to boil inside. I know I need to continue to work on this myself.
- Talk to someone you trust about what’s going on.
It’s good to have at least one person that you can truly confide in about what’s going on in your head and heart. Take some time to connect with your loved ones and destress. Don’t keep anything in that could potentially become an issue in the long run.
- Take a break from social media and the news reporting about these events.
Spend some time away from social media. Unplug, and find something you enjoy to do. With how quick news updates on social media, it can be easy to become overwhelmed with all the news coverage especially when it’s repeatedly on your timeline. There is nothing wrong with taking in information little-by-little. All the hashtags and post talking about the latest police-involved shooting can be too much on someone’s mental if seen all the time. Breaks are very much needed from social media.
- Don’t argue with people that are set on misunderstanding you or racist individuals that don’t understand their privilege.
So many times, I feel myself getting so angry when I read through the comment sections under these post regarding #BlackLivesMatter and discussing the Black life that was lost to senseless abuse of authority. From comments that say #AlllivesMatter, to #Bluelivesmatter, to “they should have complied with the officer, they all make me feel so angry. However, I’ve learned to not respond to comments like that because it doesn’t make sense to go back and forth with someone who is committed to misunderstanding you or refuses to at least empathize with you. I think it’s best to protect your energy, and just go ahead and press that Blocked button especially if they come on your page with that mess.
- Self- Care is IMPORTANT.
Lastly, show yourself some love by taking care of yourself. Whatever makes you feel the best during emotionally exhausting times, take some time and do it. My self-care routine has been centered around journaling, listening to music, and spending time with my loved ones. I also enjoy content creating and connecting with you all. I have made this little self-care reminder below to give you some ideas. Remember, self-care is more than a face mask and also that #BlackMentalHealthMatters.
If you need some positive vibes on your timeline, follow @withloveaffirmations on Instagram. The page is dedicated to sharing positive affirmation and reminders to help everyone think about positive things.
Black lives does matter regardless of how that statement makes some people feel.
Until next time, stay safe and spread more love. ?
