Ways to practice self-care for Black Americans
Artwork: Janay Jeans
By Janay Jeans
Oct. 16, 2020
The country is facing dual challenges of racism and the pandemic, and while all Americans are impacted, it is the Black community facing the greatest toll.
The deaths of Black Americans are disproportionately higher at the hands of police violence and the pandemic.
“At the beginning of the pandemic I could not even walk in a store, like my anxiety was overwhelming,” said Kourtney Berry, graduate student at the University of Memphis. “And as far as the police violence, I have best friends and brothers who are Black men and I worry so much about them.”
Berry said she found herself being annoying at times when she would randomly call her friends and brothers.
“I’m just like ‘how late are you gonna be out?’” Berry said. “Simply because I'm scared for them and it impacts me in a different way.”
How can Black people take care of their mental and emotional health during these difficult times?
Here are four methods to enhance Black mental health and practicing self-care.
Rest and Rejuvenate
Cortne Bonilla, contributor in Allure, advised in “6 Black Therapists on the Best Ways to Practice Self-Care Right Now” that the constant media coverage with videos and images of Black people dying by police officers can absorb energy, and it is important to take breaks from social media and television. Having these constant images can be traumatizing.
Many black people feel obligated to stay updated about what is happening, but it is possible to stay informed while decreasing your media consumption, wrote Rachel Miller, deputy editor of VICE on “Self-Care Tips for Black People Who Are Really Going Through It Right Now.” Try to read or watch the news twice a day, and no longer than 30 minutes.
Elizabeth Wellington, staff columnist of The Philadelphia Inquirer, advised in “How Black Americans Can Practice Self-Care During These Trying Times” that going for a walk and practicing breathing exercises are examples of what do, a part from scrolling on social media.
Enter into Healing Spaces
The University of Memphis Student Health Counseling Center Podcast, “How to Deal,” discussed additional resources and insight about racism and self-care.
“Talking with family, friends, self-reflection and reading,” said Victoria Jones, social worker and outreach coordinator at the UofM. “and the local Memphis library has a section about battling racism.”
Jones said in the podcast that there is group therapy targeted to people of color that can also be a healing space, as well as peer support groups.
These are great ways to connect and find healing within yourself and with others that have shared experiences, Jones said.
“The Shine app is also a mental health resource that Black people can use” Jones said when discussing virtual and online resources. “The Vault”, by Forward Counseling, is a group for Black women in Memphis for counseling and group therapy.”
Feelings are OK
Miller wrote some people need to talk through their feelings and others may hold their emotions in. But, if you’re feeling frustration, sadness, anger, or other emotions, try not to ignore or push those feelings away. Know that it is OK to feel angry or distraught.
Miller wrote that managing your emotions can be arduous, and it is imperative for your health to try to make time out of your schedule to sit with your grief or care for yourself, whether that is with minutes, hours or a weekend.
Other ways of processing emotions include journaling or writing, painting, exercising, doing hobbies, cleaning or dancing.
Speak Out
We can use our voices by advocating in many ways such as voting, calling local government officials, and just simply speaking out against the issues.
Jones also said in “How to Deal” that if you are an extrovert and your strength is being involved in advocacy, community organizing, or public speaking then that may be your way to speak about these issues and be a great advocate around legislation and on social media.
Cortne Bonilla suggested other ways to protests than being in the streets. Online petitions, calling local representatives, sending emails, and voting are some ways to rethink and practice activism and advocacy against these issues of racism and police violence.
“To all my Black brothers, sisters, and everyone in between, we’re going to be alright.” Bonilla said.