You Need To Take Care Of Your Mental Health Before You Fight For Change
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

In Order To Fight Hard For Change, You NEED To Take Care Of Your Mental Health

You can't pour from an empty cup.

191
In Order To Fight Hard For Change, You NEED To Take Care Of Your Mental Health

When the Black Lives Matter movement began taking shape, I was prepared to do my part and amplify Black voices. I'm passionate about this movement and I want to continue educating people on the importance of racial justice. During this time of heightened anxiety, I've found it very difficult to cope with my thoughts. I have struggled with my anxiety and depression for years and the hate that is circulating on the internet has left me feeling overstimulated. If you struggle with your mental health and feel guilty for not being able to do enough, don't feel bad for taking some time to rest.

Taking breaks is necessary for the fight for change.

A good friend of mine recently shared how much of a struggle it has been balancing out their health and everything that is going on. The problem is that you can't pour from an empty cup. As cheesy as it sounds, this has helped me understand how I should treat myself during times of uncertainty. On my bad days, when I'm feeling overstimulated, I have to put my phone down and stop scrolling. I couldn't do this on my own for a while — my boyfriend actually started encouraging me to take breaks because he knows how much the content I absorb affects me emotionally. Take a walk, listen to music, and journaling is always good.

Most importantly — be creative, do something you love.

Take care of yourself so you can take care of others.

Even when I'm not active on social media, I try my best to combat racism in every way possible and take the time to educate myself on Black experiences. I know I'm not perfect — I have deeper biases within myself that I am dedicated to addressing. It is a privilege for me to put my phone down and be able to take my mind off these issues for a bit. Taking social media breaks does not mean you are blind to the issues at hand, but that you will ultimately have the strength to keep fighting for justice. Be kind to yourself and others during this time because one way or another, everyone is exhausted.

Report this Content
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

53455
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

34360
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

956885
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

181631
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments