Black Lives Matter: Caring for Yourself and Your Community

Happy Juneteenth!

Today, on the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States, I’d like to take a moment to address racism as it relates to mental health.

In recent weeks, the murder of George Floyd has forced our society to face the 400-year-old wound of racism, white supremacy, and police brutality.

We at the Relationship Center stand with the black and brown people in our community. BIPOC (black, indigenous, and people of color), we see you. Our hearts go out to you as you navigate systemic discrimination and metabolize images of brutality against black and brown bodies on a daily basis.

While mental health providers are often called on to act as “blank slates,” now is not a time for neutrality. Please know that the Relationship Center condemns white supremacy, racism, and violence against BIPOC.

We also see the white people in our community struggling to understand how they contribute to systems of oppression and what they can do to effect change, many for the first time in their lives.

As we navigate this moment in history, deeply disturbing feelings like rage, disgust, overwhelm, and powerlessness are to be expected. Depression, anxiety, and PTSD already exacerbated by the pandemic will worsen as we confront the realities of systemic oppression.

We encourage you to pay special attention to the emotional health of you and your community. Here's how:

1. Learn

In times of crisis, engaging the thinking brain can help contain overwhelm. If you feel lost or confused, fuel yourself with information.

1. Black Lives Matter

2. About Race

3. Scaffolded Anti-Racism Resources for White Folk

4. Anti-Racism Resources for White People

5. White Privilege/Black Power: Improv Shows Benefitting Black Lives Matter

6. Anti-Racism for Beginners

7. Mental Health Issues Facing the Black Community

8. 10 Reasons You Should Support Black Lives Matter

9. Black Men Matter

2. Act

The Latin root the word “emotion” is emovere, which means “to move.” Let your feelings move you into action:

1. Vote

2. Donate

3. Protest

4. Join an anti-racist organization

3. Care

Self-care and kindness towards others form the bedrock of mental health. Do your best during this time to support yourself and those around you.

1. Black Mental Health: 7 Self-Care Tips if You’re Feeling Overwhelmed

2. The Nap Ministry: “Rest is Resistance”

3. White People, We Need To Talk About Self-Care

4. Go to therapy

Whether you choose education, action, or self-care, remember that combating racism is a marathon and not a race. Pace yourself so that you can avoid burnout and contribute to societal change on a consistent, long-term basis.

Know that we at the Relationship Center stand with you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need support during this challenging time.