It doesnt feel like an overstatement to say that 2020 has been monstrous for Black people.
He joins an incredibly long list of other Black people whove been killed by law enforcement.
And a news cycle can trigger personal grief.
Amrita Marino
Life minus the loss of good health equals grief.
And life minus the way we thought things were in this country or the world can equal grief.
Most often, when we find ourselves processing emotions from news stories and events, theadviceis to unplug.
It’s very common to have a difficult timesleepingin the throes of grief, Alston explains.
It’s very common to have a hard time concentrating.
Let me be clear: None of the information below will make the grief disappear.
I cant control the news cycle or the private devastations youre experiencing at home.
I hope this daily mental health checklist helps.
Have you eaten anything today?
Often, when youre glued to the television or preoccupied with stress, your appetite suffers.
But making sure youre eating and taking care of yourself is imperative.
Even if you dont feel like preparing elaborate meals, considersnacksandsmoothiesto double-check youre nourishing yourself.
Have you had water or fluids?
(Heres more on that.)
Are you sleeping okay?
None of these will make the world less anxiety-inducing, but hopefully theyll help you rest.
Is it possible for you to take a nap?
What emotions are floating around in your body?
Or, more commonly, we might dismiss our feelings as irrational.
Remember that theres no wrong way to feel right now.
You dont have to fight your emotions or dismiss them.
Have you talked to someone you trust about what youre feeling?
Do you should probably draw boundaries around some of the conversations youre having?
Just as a community can help you work through your feelings, some conversations can feed your anxiety.
Notice how you feel when you chat with certain people.
You might need to drawboundariesaround the talks youre having.
Can you think of a few reasons youre grateful right now?
(Even one.)
There are so many reasons to feel despair.
But part of cultivatingresiliencethe ability to move through challengesinvolves finding moments for hope.
Can you think of one small reason youre grateful right now?
Do you’re gonna wanna reach out to someone for professional support?
