By the November election, bigotry and racism were constantly on the minds of Black America. Already having persevered through what felt to be a racist administration, we endured the horror of watching televised repeats of policy-driven murders, rioting, and whole neighborhoods decimated by looting.
The insurrection at the nation’s very capital fueled and led by White supremacists only pushed our mental state into a deeper crisis. Adding injury to stinging political insult, the worst pandemic our planet has endured in generations came to plague Blacks with a special vengeance. It’s no surprise that Black mental health became stretched to the breaking point.
With mental health budgets reduced or totally erased, the number of suicides, anxiety attacks, and severe depression has risen to an all-time high.
When Black America discovered that after an exhausting four years, even the conclusion of the election would not pay off with the emotional relief they had been banking on, this was the final gut punch.
Stress began to manifest itself through unexplained body aches, stomach discomfort, abnormal sleep patterns, over- or under-eating or, grouchiness, and frequent feeling of anxiety.
Long-term exposure to stress can leave people vulnerable to ailments such as heart disease and diabetes which tend to plague Black Americans disproportionately.
Tips For Coping With Stress
Dealing with race-related stress can sometimes be eased through connecting with others who have similar experiences and feelings. Talking with family and trusted friends is helpful, specifically with racialized events that have occurred. Start or join a group with others such as a book club that reads non-fiction books by Black authors.
Spend time with other African American parents who have the same concerns about how your children are being taught or treated at the school.