Life in 2020 has been difficult so far. This is true for most of the world, but the last three weeks have been especially difficult for Black people. Not only has COVID-19 disproportionately affected the Black community, the police killing of George Floyd and the protests that followed have created an extraordinary level of pain and trauma within the Black community. Recent events in our city have also illuminated the inequalities within the Black community, which has contributed to the already stressful times.
In times like these, it can seem like an insurmountable task to perform self-care tasks and activities that support mental health — but it is essential to coming out on the other side of this extraordinary time in history.
At times of high stress, traditional means of decreasing anxiety can be used such as meditation; limiting social media and internet activity; connecting with your peers, family, and greater community (although this is complicated because of coronavirus restrictions); eating well; and creating a sleep routine. Of course, if these methods are not providing relief, we suggest reaching out to a mental health professional, such as McLean Psychology Centre, which is a group of diverse clinicians who have an ongoing philosophy of racial and cultural inclusion.
If you are in immediate need in the York Region area, contact the Community Crisis Response Service (310-COPE) at toll free number 1-855-310-COPE (2673) or (TTY) 1-866-323-7785.
In addition to these recommendations, here are some mental health resources that may be helpful at this time.
CAFCAN (Caribbean African Canadian Social Services)
CAFCAN is a social services agency in the Greater Toronto Area providing culturally appropriate services to the African, Caribbean, and Diaspora communities.
Learn more about them and their services here.
Black Mental Health Canada
Black Mental Health Canada provides access to affordable mental health services for at risk people in the Black community. They also provide mental health education to fight stigma and barriers to getting care.
Youth Mental Health Canada
YMHC is a non-profit dedicated to youth mental health advocacy and education.
Find out more by visiting their website here.
Coping with Traumatic Stress
This article from Stanford University breaks down the causes, effects, and potential coping strategies for dealing with a traumatic event and its resulting and lasting stresses.
Racial Battle Fatigue: What is it and what are the symptoms?
Racial Battle Fatigue is a term coined by William Smith, a critical race theorist, to describe the “…cumulative result of a natural race-related response to distressing mental and emotional conditions…” experienced by Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour in the United States.
Association of Black Psychologists Self-Care Tool Kit
This 26-page guide provides context on how stress and trauma affect the body and mind. It includes self-care strategies for managing the effects of racism. The guide is in both English and Spanish.
Click here to access the Tool Kit.
Healing in Action: A Toolkit for Black Lives Matter Healing Justice & Direct Action
This digital handbook includes essential steps and actions to take while preparing for, participating in, and recovering from strikes, protests, and other forms of direct action.
Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM)
BEAM is dedicated to removing “…the barriers that Black people experience getting access to or staying connected with emotional health care and healing.” Their Tool Kits and Resources page includes journal prompts, articles, presentation slides, and worksheets.
Click here to visit the Tool Kits and Resources page.
Getting Through Grief: 10 Week Online Grief Support Program (for Women of Colour)
This online, self-directed program is focused on processing your grief and turning what you’re feeling into more joy. The program isn’t currently open, but you can join the waitlist to find out as soon as it does.
There is no right way through difficult times, except to ensure that you care for yourself and reach out for support when you need it. If you are looking for support, please reach out to us for a consultation. We are committed to finding you the right fit with the right health care provider to support you in managing stress, anxiety, and depression during this very difficult time.
This too shall pass as we continue to support one another, one day, one step at a time.
We are here for you.
