Post- Election Check-In For Black Folks

What did Erykah Badu say? “Sistas, how y'all feel? Brothas, y'all alright?” But seriously, are you ok? It is ok if you're not ok. This particular election season has been a draining and exhausting one. Especially for marginalized folks. Especially for Black folks. From the normalization of hateful rhetoric to sheer dread that this election cycle has cast onto so many, it is perfectly normal to have very big feelings and not be sure how to navigate them. Here are a few immediate self care tips to help.

First thing, breathe. Take a minute to feel whatever it is that you are feeling right now and breathe through it. If you need to cry, do that. There are real health benefits to crying.

Next thing, stop doom scrolling. Get off the apps. Shut down the feeds. Stop doom scrolling the news. Turn off the tv. None of it is going to help you get back into a good headspace. Unplug, if you can.

Next thing, take care of your immediate needs. Have you drank any water today? Have you eaten anything today? For those who need it, did you take your medication today? Do you need a nap? Do you need to sleep? All of those are vital to your own wellbeing. Take care of those.

Next thing, if you physically can, go outside. Get some sun on your face. Take a stroll, even if it’s around the block a few times. If you cannot go outside, if you are able to, get near a window with access to some daylight. It helps.

If you are a journaling person, now is the time to get that journal out and unload. Let it all out.

For those who are faithful, this is a good time to pray. Tap into time with your faith. Listen to some music, light a candle, engage with your faith practice.

Whether you are a faithful person or not, this is a good time to meditate as well. There are plenty of resources available. Blackfullness is a great place to start.

If you are able to, this is the time to book some self care. Call the masseuse. Book the yoga session. Book the spa day. Book the boxing class. Book whatever you are craving to help ease what you are feeling.

If you can, get with some folks who understand what you’re feeling. This is not the time to call your problematic cousin or that one friend who believes in all the conspiracy theories. This is a time to surround yourself with like-minded folks who will hear you, affirm what you feel, and sit with you in those feelings.

If you need to, get some professional help. There is zero shame with calling a mental health professional in times like this, and even if there was shame, we wouldn’t pay it any mind. Your mental health matters more than any stigma or shame. Call the therapist. Call the psychologist. Call the people. Therapy for Black Girls and Black Men Heal have a lot of connections and mental health resources.

If you find yourself in crisis, again, in light of the events, that is normal. There is no shame and there is help available:

You can call 988 for the National Crisis Line.

For veterans, call 988, press 1, or text to 838255

For those in the LGBTQ+ community, there is assistance here as well through the Trevor Project.

For those experiencing Substance abuse, help is available for you. Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous have zoom meetings almost hourly throughout the day.

SAMHSA’s National Helpline is also available at 1-800-622-HELP(4357)

Today is a good day to pause and take care of yourself. Hope these help.