For Black people, coping is a fraught and unceasing endeavor, especially right now.
But it also includes fears of thecoronaviruspandemic.
It might involve grappling with job insecurity,isolation, and housing issues.
Loveis Wise
How are Black folks coping right now?
How have we coped thus far?
How do we process our own feelings against the soundbites, overtures, and invitations to talk?
If youre a Black person who is having trouble making sense of this current moment, youre not alone.
Many Black therapists feel especially compelled to hold space for some of the feelings youre experiencing.
Below, eight Black therapists give you their best advice on how to cope with beingBlack in Americaright now.
Be mindful of your information diet and unplug sometimes.
These videos are helpful because the incidents are captured on tape.
Theres proof, and that can feel empowering.
But these videosand I use this word carefullyare violent, and theyre dangerous.
We feel connected to the person who is the victim of those assaults.
We can almost feel the baton, or therubber bullet, in our back.
It can lead toanxiety, depression, andsleeplessness, similar to the picture of post-traumatic stress disorder.
So be mindful of how you take in information andunplug if necessary.Margaret Seide, M.D.
Placing self-care as a priority is not selfish, especially during these difficult times.
Self-care can include picking your battles and reserving your emotional labor for only those you truly value.
Give yourself permission to feel what youre feeling.
Ask someone you trust to back up your feelings.
We need to remind ourselves that we areentitled to our feelingsevery single one of us.
I would also recommend reaching out to trusted support systems who can validate those feelings.Chante Gamby, L.C.S.W.
Seek resources to help you identify conflicting emotions.
If you dont know what youre feeling, you canwrite outwhat comes to mind without editing or censoring yourself.
Lean on friends, family, and mental health professionals for support.
If therapy isnt an option, there is a lot ofonline supportpopping up.
Embrace culturally relevant ways of coping.
These can be things that are culturally relevant and soothing for you.
Thats an example of culturally relevant forms of healing.Horsham-Brathwaite
8.
Support the movement in whatever way feels right for you.
We are dealing with trauma, and that comes with a trauma response.
Were going to see people fight, flight, or freeze in response to recent events.
They may want to participate in protests but havefears about COVID-19.
Some people are truly overwhelmed and anxious, and protesting just adds to those feelings.
Show yourself some self-compassion.
There are several ways to support the cause.
Ask your elders questions about their lives.
Have conversations with your family.
Bring a spirit of curiosity to these discussions.
Those experiences of who came before us have shaped the choices we made.
So just having someconversationsabout life experiences, without judgment, is deeply meaningful.
Its helpful to understand how Mom, Dad, and other family members came to be.Horsham-Brathwaite
10.
Know that you dont have to be strong right now.
We need to actively and intentionally take care of ourselves.
Being on social media for hours is not taking care of yourself.
Some things to try instead?
Lastly, have self-compassion during this time.
Quotes have been edited for length and clarity.
