Managing Mental Health and Wellness Post-Election: Navigating Fears, Strengthening Community, and Fostering Resilience
The aftermath of an election season has been emotional with a feeling heaviness, weighing on Black women. We are often the ones that carry the weight of racial, gender, and societal expectations. Whether it’s dealing with the feelings of not feeling safe, the anxiety surrounding the future, or the emotional exhaustion of constantly advocating for oneself, managing mental health and wellness during times of political and social unrest is crucial.
Here’s how we can navigate these feelings, cultivate resilience, and foster a sense of safety and community in the post-election environment.
Acknowledge Your Emotions
It’s important to first honor and acknowledge how you feel. In moments of political tension, uncertainty, and societal challenges, feelings of fear, anxiety, anger, and frustration are natural. For many us, there’s also the compounded reality of existing in a world where our bodies and voices are often devalued, especially during politically charged times.
Instead of minimizing these feelings, try to sit with them. Reflect on what they are signaling about your current emotional and mental state. Writing in a journal, speaking with a trusted friend, or simply sitting with yourself in a quiet space can help to create clarity.
Prioritize Self-Care for Mental and Emotional Healing
When the future feels uncertain, self-care becomes an essential tool for grounding and healing. In times of unrest, self-care isn't just about pampering or taking breaks; it's about nurturing your mind and spirit so that you can move through the world with strength.
Practice mindfulness and meditation: These techniques can help you reconnect with your inner peace. Apps like Headspace, Calm, or Insight Timer offer guided meditations that focus on stress relief, anxiety reduction, and fostering compassion.
Physical activity: Exercise is proven to reduce stress and improve mood. Whether it’s a daily walk, yoga, or an intense workout, find a movement routine that makes you feel empowered.
Rest and sleep: Political and social stress can take a toll on sleep patterns, leading to exhaustion. Make sleep a priority, create a restful environment, and ensure that your body gets the rest it needs.
Nourish your body: A healthy diet can have a powerful impact on mental health. Nutrient-rich foods fuel the brain and body, helping you feel more balanced and energized.
Address Feelings of Safety: Feelings of not being safe, both physically and emotionally, are heightened during times of political uncertainty. Whether it’s fears about personal safety, concerns about systemic oppression, or the emotional toll of societal violence, these feelings must be addressed head-on.
Create a support network: Surround yourself with people who understand and affirm your experiences. Whether they are close friends, family, or community members, a strong support system can be your greatest source of comfort. Don’t be afraid to lean into your circle during challenging times.
Limit exposure to harmful media: It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by news cycles that continually report on divisive issues, violence, and fear. Curate your media consumption to protect your emotional well-being. Unfollow or mute accounts that drain you, and instead seek out content that uplifts, educates, and inspires.
Set boundaries with others: It’s okay to step back from conversations that aren’t helpful or that feel emotionally draining. Protecting your peace is essential, and sometimes that means creating space from negative discourse.
Strengthen Your Community and Fostering Solidarity:Fostering a sense of community and belonging is one of the most powerful ways to counteract feelings of isolation, fear, and anxiety. We, as Black women, are often the backbone of our communities, and tapping into collective strength can amplify personal resilience.
Engage in activism or advocacy that aligns with your values: Whether through organizing, volunteering, or simply staying informed, being active in causes that matter to you can help give you a sense of purpose and agency. When we work together to uplift our communities, we feel empowered, and that empowerment can be a tool for healing.
Nurture relationships with fellow Black women: The bond between Black women is one of unparalleled strength and solidarity. Seek out spaces where you can connect, share experiences, and offer mutual support. Whether through social media, local groups, or professional networks, these spaces can serve as safe havens to discuss shared experiences and struggles.
Join or create a community circle: Whether virtual or in-person, community circles allow for the exchange of wisdom, encouragement, and emotional support. This could be a book club, spiritual group, or any space where you can gather with like-minded women to check in with each other, share resources, and foster collective growth.
Embrace Your Resilience
Black women have historically faced adversity and have continuously shown resilience in the face of it. Tap into that inner strength, knowing that you come from a lineage of powerful women who have navigated some of the most difficult circumstances. It’s in this resilience that you can find hope, even in the darkest of times.
You are not alone in this journey. By nurturing yourself, finding solidarity with others, and focusing on personal and collective growth, you can heal, thrive, and move forward stronger than before.
Managing mental health and wellness in the post-election world is no easy task, especially for Black women who navigate a complex intersection of identities. By prioritizing your emotional health, fostering community, and honoring your resilience, you can create a space of healing and empowerment. Remember: your well-being matters, and taking care of yourself isn’t just a personal need, but a form of resistance and self-preservation.
In times of uncertainty, community is a lifeline. When we stand together, support one another, and take the time to nurture ourselves, we can weather any storm.
The Word of remind us of God's promise of peace, both internal and external, and how trusting in Him can lead to true peace that transcends circumstances. Here are several Bible scriptures on peace that can provide comfort and encouragement:
John 14:27 (NIV)
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)
"You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you."
Romans 15:13 (NIV)
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NIV)
"Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you."
Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Colossians 3:15 (NIV)
"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful."
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