A la Vice PresidentKamala Harris, I have stress-eaten my fair share ofDoritossince the 2016 presidential election.
And the outrageous attacks continue to flood the political landscape.
Just last night, Donald Trump repeated running mate JD Vancesdisgusting and false claimsabout Haitian immigrants.
Saul Loeb/Getty Images/Amanda K Bailey
Despite higher rates ofchronic health issuesandpsychological stress, we learn to put ourselves last and endure.
But we dont have to accept that.
Pay attention to your bodys cues when youre digesting the news…
I tell people to check their body when theyre watching television or looking at election coverage on their phones.
You should know your cues.
I tell my patients that if there is a zombie apocalypse, you will know.
Its okay to take a break.
Raquel Martin, PhD, assistant professor of psychology at Tennessee State University
2.
…or choose to skip it entirely.
After that, you try your best to let any stress or anxiety associated with the outcome go.
And that absolutely has to be enough.
Kelli Rugless, PsyD, licensed psychologist and founder ofFlourish of Psychology
3.
Remember who you are…
Remember the lineage that you come from.
We are not the first generation to encounter oppression and fear around our political freedoms.
Corrine Harris, PhD, LMHC, owner ofHarris Counseling Servicesand assistant professor at Capella University
4.
…and celebrate your cultural identity.
Its going to be important to re-root yourself back into your own cultural identity and celebrate that.
And sometimes youve got to be reminded of that beauty.
Hazel Owens, MDiv, LMFT, owner of Owens Counseling & Consulting
5.
Avoid triggering news sources.
Limit or eliminate your exposure to media that attack Black women or political candidates for their Blackness and womanhood.
Choose media outlets that share news in an affirmative and non-inflammatory way.
Adia Gooden, PhD, licensed clinical psychologist and founder ofUnconditionally Worthy, Co.
6.
Remember that you cantand shouldnt have tosolve the worlds problems.
Black women are often tasked with carrying the burden in both our personal and work lives.
We are expected to do the impossibleto save everyone else.
This is especially noticeable during election season.
It is crucial for us to show up for ourselves.
We, particularly as Black women, deserve that.
Christine Pacheco, LMSW, owner of Saya Psychotherapy
7.
Connect with what fills you up and be mindful of what drains you.
When Im navigating a triggering political climate, I think about connection.
Connect with what fills you up in meaningful ways.
What people, activities, and places leave youfeeling joyful, lighter, and at peace?
There are things that are draining you.
So I tell people to identify your drains and identify the things that provide you nourishment.
And it doesnt mean that you have to spend a lot of money.
I taught myself how to crochet during one of the most stressful times of my life.
Dr. Raquel Martin
8.
Dont forget the basics.
The foundation that you set is a significant determining factor in how you move through challenging periods.
Remember the basics: getting enough sleep, eating to nourish yourself, moving your body,getting outside.
And dont discount what works.
Maybe you already engage in some of these practices or have found others that help you feel your best.
Lean into the ways youve already been nurturing yourself.
Angela Akinyemi
9.
Change the subject or walk away.
Are you watching anything new on TV?
You dont have to accept every invitation that comes your way.
Hazel Owens
10.
Find comfort in the stories of our Black elders.
What lineage of activism, change-making, and survival can you tap into?
Reading is a big part of my life, so I lean on authors likeToni Morrison and James Baldwin.
I learn from Rashid Khalidis struggle and the fight for Palestinian liberation.
There are so many avenues to connect with elder wisdom.
Angela Akinyemi
11.
Reflect on what has helped you cope in the past to remember what youre capable of.
Perhaps you are more capable than this present moment is having you feel.
Jnee Hill, LCSW,EMDR-certified therapistand owner atEver Curious Therapy
12.
Seek out ways to build your community.
I tell everyone that therapy is not the only path to healing.
It could be therapy, it could be group activities.
It could be art.
It could be just ethical living.
But no matter what path you take, it is going to be paved with communitywe need social support.
I find that Eventbrite is a really cool tool formaking friendsand adding to your support web link.
I just took a hair-braiding class.
Dr. Raquel Martin
13.
Get help if you need it.
The mind is connected to the body.
But you dont have to get used to depression.
you’re free to do things to feel betterlike finding aculturally competent therapist.
