Even though pandemic conditions mean you can’t safely meet in person, utilizing zoom meetings, video calls or reach out by whatever methods your electronic devices allow you to. Physical activity and laugher are great stress busters!
Tips for Quieting Anxiety
Anxious thoughts can overwhelm you, making it difficult to make decisions and take action to deal with whatever issue bothers you. Anxiety can also lead to overthinking, which makes you even more anxious. How can you get out of this vicious cycle?
Practice Mindfulness. Observe your thoughts, rather than reacting automatically to them. Take deep breaths as you imagine yourself free and untangled of all stress. Simply observe your thoughts without reacting.
Stay in the Present. Is your mind regurgitating the past? Just because something negative happened in the past doesn’t mean it has to happen today. Ask yourself if the circumstances, or your knowledge and coping abilities, have changed since last time.
Get Up and Get Going. When your mind is stuck in a loop, you can interrupt it by getting up and moving around or doing a different task or activity. Exercise or force yourself to take a brisk walk outside. You just may have a different perspective by the time you sit back down.
When and where to seek professional help
If your depressed moods have lasted more than two weeks or are now seriously interfering with your ability to function normally or you have been entertaining thoughts of suicide you should consult a mental health professional as quickly as possible.
There are a number of professionals that are able to counsel and listen to you. You may also look for or request a Black professional if, like many others, you believe they would better understand your problems.
Listed below are examples of the types of professionals and institutions who can offer you help for depression.
• Psychiatrists
• Clinical Psychologists
• Social Workers
• Licensed mental health counselors
• Your family doctor
• Your employer-provided Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
• Nearby university or medical school-affiliated mental health clinics
• Your local hospital
• Community mental health centers
• Clergy
• Your Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO) or Health Insurance company
• 911 in immediate emergencies such as suicide, self-harm, or violence