First of all, take a deep breath! We all need it. It’s been one thing after another this year and it doesn’t seem to relent. The latest in these year’s hardships was the massacre of Nigerian civilians who were peacefully protesting police brutality. #Sigh. All of this can be exhausting. We’ve heard and seen traumatic stories. Also, we’ve been gaslighted and we have had to deal with what may be described as survivor’s guilt.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, then you need to process appropriately, at least for your mental health. Here are a few ways to go about it.
Acknowledge the trauma
We sometimes have the habit of suppressing emotion, not admitting how we feel or covering it up with satire. We are funny people and ‘cruise’ is our official language.
But it is unhealthy to not admit how you feel, because then, you cannot possibly deal with it.
Ask for help
Don’t be shy to ask for help when you need it. Talk to someone you trust, or seek professional help if you can. Be open to talking about problems and not just saying that everything is okay even if it isn’t.
Indulge in some self care
Go on a walk or do some yoga. You could also just step outside for some fresh air. Read a book or watch a movie that makes you laugh, light a candle. Or my personal favorite, listen to some calming music. I love listening to worship songs when I feel down.
Do things that make you happy
If there is something extra that you love and is emotionally healthy, go ahead and do it. Could be eating some ice cream without feeling guilty. Or it could be some controlled retail therapy.
Celebrate your wins
Most times in survivor’s guilt, you do not even want to acknowledge small victories because you feel like you do not deserve it or that it will make other people feel some type of way. Here is your prompt to celebrate that win that you have been looking forward to.