Coping with viral violence: resources to protect your mental health
As we scroll through our Twitter feed, or watch the evening news, too often we have the thought — not again. When confronted with images, videos, or accounts of black and brown lives lost at the hands of police violence, that same sentiment echoes — please, not again.
For members of communities that may have personal experience with systemic violence, racially motivated incidents, and other trauma, these videos can be distressing, unsettling, and enraging.
Here are a few ways to take care of your mental and physical health in these situations:
Limit Your Exposure. Coverage on social media, the evening news, and your local paper will be constant and evolving. It is always helpful to set boundaries for yourself around how much to engage with this type of content, and how and where you consume it.
Build Connections. You don’t have to go through it alone. Seek out others who can understand your feelings and support you. Speak to friends & family or trusted professionals who can offer a safe space to process your thoughts, instincts, and feelings.
Make Time for Self-Care. Set aside time for activities that put your well-being first. This can include exercise, meditation and mindfulness, music, or spending time in nature.
Create a Positive Impact. Find ways — big or small — that you can engage with your community to be present and impactful. Make time to volunteer, donate to organizations working towards accountability or justice, or participate in peaceful protests. When you’re ready, make your voice heard.
Always remember it is okay to take a break. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, seek support from professionals, therapists, friends, or family members. Here are some additional resources:
Obama Foundation: Anguish & Action: For those of us looking to find ways to turn our outrage and hurt into meaningful, impactful actions, check out this list from the Obama Foundation for ways to support the movement for racial justice and policing accountability. This page includes several important resources for those that have the desire to protect their mental health and remain mindful of the trauma associated with incidents of racial violence.
Pitchfork: Resources: In their words, “The fight for justice and equality is a matter of basic human rights, and we stand in solidarity with those working to demand change. We’ve also included suggestions on how to get involved with localized action in your communities.”
Therapy for Black Girls: This blog post lists several ways to protect your digital peace, and offers a network of therapists of color to navigate mental health struggles, manage your time and expectations, and mindfulness.
We’ve got your back.
Have other resources you think could be added to our list? Contact us at [email protected].
At TurnSignl, we are committed to addressing the inequities our society faces in access to justice. Join us in our pledge to increase awareness of this problem, provide resources where we can, and grow the movement for social justice.
