Wooah, 2020 has made a memorable entrance into our lives. To such great degree that we demand a reform to our current health care, education, and legal systems for the welfare of our race, community and generations to come. All within a four months timespan. While we are rising up in our efforts this conversation has made its way into other races and communities who want to support our demands. As the battle to dismantle racism and its injustice continues, here are four strategies to protect your well-being while navigating discussions on race.
Acknowledge your limits: Do you feel mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually drained from being a participant in such conversations? Then take time off to rest, or nourish the other parts of your body and mind that desire to be nurtured. Watch a film, take your dog for a walk or delete your social media apps. Don’t feel compelled to engage because it is a trending topic.
Excuse yourself from triggering dialogues/spaces: don’t allow yourself to sit in a discomforting conversation because it needs to be addressed. During moments of anxiety, fear and anger it is very unlikely all sides will be voiced with intention or heard out. By excusing yourself from triggering dialogues or spaces you are respecting your limits in what you do not have the space to consume. Revisit again when you have the capacity to share or listen.
Reach out to a counselor or therapist: a mental health professional can better help you access your needs and how to effectively voice this to White or non-Black persons of color. Mental health professionals are also incredibly great for listening to your thoughts without injecting judgment.
Understand you are NOT a free, educational resource: unless it is part of your brand’s mission, do not exhaust yourself with being a source of information into one’s journey of ally-ship. This is part of the work they need to do independently to help fight against systematic oppression.
Although discussions centered on race and inequality amongst all communities can bring forth changes to our societal system. Your mental health should not be ignored in order to host such conversations. You must listen to yourself and discover your limits, leave during feelings of uneasiness and actively reach out to someone who can provide you with a safe space.
By: Shay Fuller
Shay Fuller is a contributing writer at Educated Qween. She is a New York City transplant, who enjoys acting, creating digital mood boards and mastering a nice home cooked meal and wine combo. Connect with her on Instagram @shayfuller_.