Jun 4, 20203 min read

A Guide to Mentally Surviving As A Black Person Right Now in The U.S.

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By: Marlize Duncan

In a society where African Americans are 20% more likely to experience serious mental health problems than the rest of the population, according to AADA.org, taking care of mental health is extremely important during these times.

As of late, 2020 has hit the Black community harder than just about anyone else. Whether it be COVID-19, police Brutality, etc. Black people have been the epicenter of the recent issues the U.S. faces. With COVID-19 disproportionately effecting black Americans with little help at hospitals, in turn, police brutality of black citizens, and a long list of other systemic problems, this overload of information can negatively affect the black community mentally.

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Rather than getting into the extreme specifics as to why one may be stressed during this time, I have compiled a guide to mentally surviving the ongoing stressors this year has brought.

1. Allow Yourself to Process What Is Going On

In moments of stress, many people end up in shock and in that case don’t have the opportunity to express their emotions, which leaves them bottled up furthering stress. Cry. Get angry. Rant. Allow yourself to dispel of the pain, anxiety, and stress that the world puts on your shoulders.

2. Take a Break From Social Media

In times where heavy activism is necessary, the information overload on social media platforms can be overwhelming. With constant reminders of what’s occurring without the escapism that the internet usually emits, a break is important. Sometimes a break feels selfish, but let it be known that it will all be there when you come back and you can engage once you feel certain you’re in the mindset to do so.

3. Journal

Another way to express your emotion is to do it by writing them down. Journaling allows you to put all your thoughts in one place and organize them in a way that makes sense to you. In doing so, you can keep track of your emotional progress or even find ways to create solutions to the problems bringing you stress in the first place.

4. Confide in Those around You That You Trust and Have a Candid Conversation About What Is Happening and How it is Affecting You

Sometimes being able to talk to those you trust will give you the ability to articulate how you feel and with their added input, you can find a common understanding of how many people are feeling. Conversations with people who are experiencing the same thing you are can bring comfort and solace, especially knowing that you aren’t alone.

5. Pick up An Old Or New Hobby

In instances of this sort, its always good to be able to rely on something that you like to do to mentally free yourself from stressful experiences and allow yourself to relax. Painting, reading, cooking, are all ways you can channel your energy into something productive, and if you have something you’ve wanted to do but never participated in, now the time to try it!

6. Practice Mindfulness

If you do believe in a higher power, then practicing faith can be a method to destress. This can be through prayer or reading of scripture. To those who don’t, there are other methods of mindfulness such as meditation that can keep you grounded. Practicing mindfulness can be as easy as focusing on your breathing and centering your thoughts.

7. Take Care of Your Body

Although this is physical, taking care of your body can affect how you feel mentally. Taking care of your body can range from anywhere between taking a bubble bath or working out. Working out specifically the pent up energy is being exerted through exercise.

8. Talk to Professional

There are times where self-help doesn’t feel like enough, and in cases like that, the best route is to talk to professionals. There are many trained therapists that can help!