Feeling angry, sad, and scared? Me too.
It’s been a while since I’ve written a blog post and I have recently come to terms with the fact that since November I’ve been in a prolonged state of rage, sadness, and anxiety. I’ve been showing up for my family and my clients and trying to make time for myself wherever I can. I haven’t known what to say or what to do besides supporting my clients individually, marching in a couple of rallies, and supporting my kid. I didn’t think that I had anything to contribute that is not already being said. I’ve realized that it’s important to acknowledge these feelings of hopelessness and rage. And I also know that I cannot hide behind my privilege and claim overwhelm. I do need to show up for others and use the voice and the privileges that I hold. I’m still trying to figure out how best to do that, but in my role as a mental health professional I am here to lovingly remind folx to do whatever you feel you have the capacity for right now. Many are truly fearful with good reason. Many are enraged. Many are deeply sad. Many are feeling frozen or panicked.
This is a time for self-compassion in all its forms. Sometimes we need the warm, fuzzy, comfort seeking self-compassion. We need to lean into our areas of solace so that we can recharge and continue to do what matters most to us. Stepping out, speaking up, taking action is fierce self-compassion and for this we also need to lean into our communities and our sources of strength. If you are feeling angry, it is because one or more of your core values or your identity is being violated - and because anger is a normal response to injustice. Ask yourself what you need right now. If you feel you have it in you for one small values-aligned action today, see what you can do for yourself, in your community, or with just one other person. We’ve got a long road ahead of us and we all have varying degrees of oppression and/or privilege, so there is not one right answer or way to approach this. And whatever you do, be kind to yourself and be kind to others. Compassion in all its forms, for yourself and for others, is an act of resistance right now. Be well and take care, my friends. Do not burn yourself out and do not let others take away your light.
Jennifer Miesch, Ph.D.
