Anxiety is when a person has worry or fear that is excessive, uncontrollable, and/or irrational.
Given the current circumstances that we are in, we may not consciously recognize how much we are worrying. We are worried about if we and/or our loved ones will make it home safely at the end of the day. We are worried about if we are being judged simply because of the color of our skin. And we are still worried about making it from day to day in the midst of COVID-19 and a time of economic uncertainty. All of this, along with the normal stressors of life, can make a person more prone to developing anxiety.
Be In The Present
In light of all of this, it is imperative that we learn how to be present in the moment, not letting our minds wander too far into the future or be controlled by negative thoughts all throughout the day. Understanding mindfulness, engaging in deep breathing exercises and guided meditations throughout the day, and learning how to change irrational thoughts into rational thoughts are a few tools that can be used to help minimize anxiety. You have the power within you to control the things that you are worried or fearful of. You just have to learn how to use that power. You give your worries too much power when you let them control you. Take back your power and get your peace of mind back along with it.
Find Out How You Fit in the Puzzle for Change
During this time, I believe that we are all trying to figure out what it is that we can do to assist with bringing change in regards to police brutality, racism, discrimination, and injustice. While the focus has been heavy on protests, everyone is not called to be out in the streets marching and engaging in other forms of protests. There are people who are needed to make change in education, in politics, and many other areas of influence. You could be the missing piece of the puzzle to change, but if you are in the wrong place then that change cannot occur. Find where you best fit and do your part there.
Trauma is Taxing; Take a Step Back
In the African-American community, we have “normalized” trauma. Seeing people shot and killed is a “normal” part of life. Dealing with racial injustice is “normal.” None of this is normal and we have to recognize it for what it is. It is trauma and trauma all impacts us in different ways. For some, it can make you angry. For others, you can become depressed and withdrawn. It can impact you physical causing many different diseases to manifest. You may get headaches, have digestive issues, deal with fatigue, and muscle tension just to name a few. While we cannot always control what happens to us or around us, we can control how we handle it. In a time where the murders of our Black men and women are broadcast on National TV and all across social media, it is ok and necessary for us to unplug. Surround yourself with positive family and friends and limit your discussion in regards to these topics. Most importantly, take some time for yourself. Read, journal, pray, see a therapist, exercise – do whatever you need to do for your own personal self-care.
About the Author
Jasmine Lynn Pope is a woman of passion, purpose, and perseverance. She has built her life around helping others overcome the mental, emotional, and spiritual barriers that have stopped them from pursuing their purpose to the fullest. A woman of many titles, she is the owner of Blessings in DisguiZe Counseling & Coaching and the host of the Pretty. Powerful. Purposeful. Conference. She serves as a collegiate professor in social work and is a licensed minister with a passion to bridge the gap between mental health and ministry.
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