The lingering trauma and ongoing health issues brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic; economic instability; ongoing justice system injustices; threats to Black voting rights and to democracy as a whole; the criminalization of Black books and Black thought; the end of DEI, affirmative action and women’s ability to make decisions about their own bodies have together heaped upon our shoulders stresses that weigh us down.
Moreover, these are on top of the everyday life stresses of job issues, relationship ups and downs, worries about children and health concerns.
Living in a society and culture that generally shuns seeking help, what are we to do when the stresses of life are impacting our physical and emotional well-being?
Over-Stressed
Dr. Deborah M. Wilson, a licensed therapist and Texas Southern University professor, suggests for those who are feeling “a certain kind of way” due to the weight of the world being pressed upon them, to understand exactly what stress is, and then take actions to protect your mental health.
Stress triggers chemical reactions in the brain and impacts how we feel and respond. Stress is a natural response to new, challenging or threatening situations.
“Experiencing stress is part of being alive, but it can become overwhelming, causing daily dysfunction and serious health complications,” said Wilson. “Stress itself is not a problem, but it becomes a problem when it’s left unchecked and starts holding you back from working through challenges and/or experiencing your full potential.”
The stress that comes with landing a job interview, for example, can help motivate a person to prepare, show up on time and research the entity to put their best foot forward. However, if you don’t know how to handle, cope with or control stress, it can escalate into full-blown anxiety and limit your ability to communicate your knowledge and skills.
“If your stress response continues after the fact, and if you ignore it, it can become chronic (more severe) and potentially lead to mental and physical health issues, including anxiety, depression, heart disease and even death,” shared Wilson.
“Stress is known as a silent killer because while we might outwardly discount what is bothering us as problematic, our minds and bodies respond internally. So, if you are feeling a “certain kind of way” navigating life’s challenges (ex: relationship challenges, job loss, illness, etc.), here are a few things you can do.”
5 Healthy Ways to Deal with Stress
Recognize You’re Not Alone
Wilson recommends recognizing that everybody is going through something, saying, “If you are human, and especially if you are Black, you are going through something.”
Talk to a Trusted Friend or Family Member
I can recount a few times when I dealt with an issue, only to talk to someone I trusted and discover what I was experiencing was quite “normal.” It could have been something as simple as an age-related change or as complex as a personal relationship issue resulting in feelings of shame or guilt.
The key is to talk about it. Try not to allow what you are feeling and experiencing to consume you. Again, talking about it with someone who you trust in a safe space can motivate you to “keep going no matter what.”
Seek Community
Seek out and/or become active with a group(s) within your community. Regardless of where you live, associating with a group that shares cultural values, traditions and beliefs can be a tremendous source of support.
Contact a Professional
If you are not comfortable disclosing what you are experiencing with friends or family, consider contacting a professional. A professional counselor or psychologist can assess whether you are experiencing a “normal” life challenge or a mental health issue.
Life is a journey, and as we travel along this developmental journey, challenges become reference points we can reflect on as we continue our journey. If it is determined that, in fact, you are experiencing a mental health challenge, it is important to get on top of it before it becomes chronic.
Utilize Available Resources
- The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides free 3-6 confidential counseling sessions
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) (English and Spanish)
- Harris Center for Mental Health Houston, TX – 77004 (713) 970-7413
- Crisis Text Line: text HOME to 741741
- Crisis Intervention of Houston Hotline: 832-416-1177
- Houston Teen Crisis Intervention Hotline: 832-416-1199
- Houston Teen Crisis Intervention Text line: text 281-201-4430
- Center for Recovering Families at the Council Mental Health
