BY Charis McRoy

now it is a familiar scene in the news: throngs of people holding cardboard signs in the streets, with pictures of the dead emblazoned on their shirts. It’s commonplace to find funerals filled with members of the community who only came to learn of the individual because of their tragic end. Nearly every month, there is cause for collective grief, the kind of grief that rattles an entire community of people. While the effects of collective grief are not at all limited to the Black diaspora, as people of color it is a chronic reoccurrence that has plagued our race for centuries. Seeing Patrick Lloya and Jayland Walker being gunned down before our very eyes, leaves mental scars on not just the immediate family members and friends—it is seared into the synapses of Black people across the country.

Like with all forms of grief, we experience a wide range of emotions. In addition to the sadness we feel when another life is taken, we often also feel anger and frustration that injustice seems to be the norm and not taken as seriously.

As a byproduct of our collective grief, we may experience race-based traumatic stress (RBTS) and racial-battle fatigue (RBT). From our own experiences and those we hear of, we worry about our own safety and that of our family and friends, whether it be at the grocery store or at church. This concern can turn into hypersensitivity and hypervigilance. As we realize that something could happen anywhere and that we can’t control how people will treat us, we often feel helpless and in turn, hopeless.

This reality comes with repercussions for not just our mental health, but also our physical health, which increases our risk for conditions that Black people often succumb to, such as high blood pressure and increased heart rate. Realizing that impact of racism seems to be a continuous cycle, how do we keep still keep going? How can we heal even as fresh wounds are made as we learn of yet another uncalled-for death? Is there a way to handle the stress brought on by our concerns for our safety? How do we move forward without pretending everything is okay or losing our social consciousness? Can we do anything about what is happening around us instead of sitting back?

Here are several productive ways we can deal with these issues. The first three listed deal with practical ways to care for your personal well-being, because as Dr. Gishawn Mance of Howard University says, “It is difficult to help others when you are not OK.” When we prioritize our own well-being we are then able to “move forward in action to help others,” and make an impact in our community.

ialogue with yourself and with others. Being able to honestly reflect on how you feel and share your thoughts with people who can relate to your feelings is important. One great place you can connect with others virtually is the SafePlace App (available for both Android and Apple users), which was designed by Black mental health advocate, Jasmin Pierre. If you choose to see a counselor or psychologist, it is best to seek a provider who understands the experiences of people of color. For more information on how to seek professional counselling geared for Black people you can visit the Mental Health America website. (mhanational.org)

void overdosing on violent media. While we cannot pretend bad things do not occur, we have to learn to strike the balance between being informed and not taking in too much violence. We need to consider how much time we spend ingesting bad news, especially in the form of graphic videos. Reading the story is often enough to conjure a mental image that we can do without the video evidence.

edirect your mental energy. While you should not feel forced to ignore the pain, it is necessary for survival to take time to positively engage your mind, in addition to avoiding negativity. Take care of your mind and soul by exercising, eating healthily, keeping a journal, or taking time to do something that you enjoy. One way to address the fears and anxieties is to be proactive. For example, taking self-defense classes, taking an account of your surroundings, or knowing what to do should you be stopped by a police officer can be helpful.

ngage in community efforts. When we refocus and redirect our anger and frustration, they can instigate reform. Sometimes we feel that there is not really anything we can do, but we must recognize that this is not true. While not all of us may be comfortable with taking to the streets for protests, there are other ways to be involved socially. Joining organizations such as the National Urban League and Color of Change are ways you can become more involved. These organizations have had success in their efforts. For example, the Color of Change has helped to secure the release of 70 individuals who were in home confinement. As we take part in such organizations, we can combat the feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. While you may not be able to create change in the entire country, signing petitions and voting in local elections are legitimate and useful ways to make a difference. Should you decide to participate in a protest, be sure to read up on the best way to approach it to ensure your safety and that of others. One place with great information is the American Civil Liberties Union website.

So, I challenge you, DARE to heal!

Charis McRoy is a college sophomore who is a columnist for Guide Magazine and author of The Star: A Peek Inside Esther’s Diary. She writes from the Baltimore/Washington area.