Although we may try, there is no way to escape what is unfolding before our very own eyes. Over the past several months, we have worked to wrap our heads around the Coronavirus (COVID-19). We have discussed ways to stay safe from the virus physically and how to stay emotionally intact as well. Mind you, the virus continues to be part of our daily lives, however, we are also facing another life challenging situation here in America.
A video detailing how a young Black man, Ahmad Aubrey, was shot down while jogging in Brunswick, Georgia surfaced. This video affected many people, not just the ones living in Georgia, but people all over the U.S.A. We could argue the point of whether it was justified; or we could not. At this very same time, we were continuing to digest how to cope with COVID-19. A week ago, another incident occurred in which police were filmed arresting George Floyd. During this arrest and apprehension, George Floyd died. Many people saw and heard George Floyd making it known that he could not breath, but the officer whose knee was on George Floyd’s neck, did not listen to the cries.
My role is not that of judge or jury, but I come to you from a place of healing and to educate you on the importance of holding on to your Joy. When we think about all the adjustments many have made due to COVID-19. These things include some of the following: self distancing, unemployment, working part time hours, forced home school because the schools were closed, restrictions on visiting loved ones in the hospital, including ones dying from COVID-19, restrictions on how many could attend the funeral of a loved one, restrictions on how many could enter a grocery store at one time, restrictions on when to wear a mask, and the list goes on and on.
As a mental health clinician, I understand the continuous confusion and recent hurt that people are experiencing. Even when I do not agree or see eye to eye on a certain situation, acknowledging the pain of others is not difficult to do. If you never learn anything, please understand this, you can not argue someone else’s perspective….that is their perspective. For those of you who are hurting emotionally, experiencing depression, or are simply unable to find solid ground, hold on to your joy! Because I know that holding on to your peace of mind and joy
is needed, especially when we face times of uncertainties. Below is a list of techniques to help:
Take care of your health (get your check-ups, exercise)
Get quality rest...this includes the number of hours you sleep each night
Nurture and enjoy your relationships
Invest quality time with people you care about
Use meditation
Acknowledge what you feel
Find positive in a negative event or situation
Add daily routines/rituals that are enjoyable
Seek out positive people
One thing that I fight for is my joy. I do this by understanding that this joy that I have, the world did not give it to me. The world did not give it and the world can’t take it away!
If you are living with depression or any other mental health illness and feel that you need help, we are here for you. Renewed Mental Health wants you to feel free to reach out to us at 678-582-8947, in order to schedule a consultation. FYI, being that we are practicing social distancing, due to COVID-19, telehealth services are available.
Until next time, live on purpose.
VaVa