The Black Man's Guide to Staying Sane in the Age of COVID
It goes without saying that the COVID-19 pandemic has shaken the U.S. to the core. Although many of us can remember a time when we thought this outbreak would be gone as quick as it came, it seems that we’re in it for the long haul.
As we enter our fifth months and four million cases in this country alone, all of us —
in one way or another— have had to change the way we live to keep safe …and sane.
For some of us, coping with COVID-19 looks like turning off the news, and/or keeping to ourselves. But like most things, the ways in which to deal with this virus are not so cut and dry.
When it comes to Black people specifically, the COVID-19 pandemic is just another layer to the set of problems that we need to navigate. Between the need for criminal justice reform, our current state of affairs and politics, and the many personal issues that we may face, this time of social distancing and isolation can be overwhelming and confusing. So, let’s talk about it.
Some quick facts:
● COVID-19 is currently surging in the southern U.S., where 58 percent of Blacks live.
● Black Americans contract COVID-19 at three times the rate of white Americans, making us the most vulnerable demographic in this country with respect to this virus.
● According to the Economic Policy Institute, Black workers make up 11.9 percent of the U.S. workforce. However, black workers make up 17 percent of all frontline industry workers.
● Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that the unemployment rate of Black men in this country has peaked at 16.8 percent—the highest it has been since the beginning of our current economic recession. Meanwhile, the overall unemployment rate for white men is only at 10.1 percent.
● Economic and public health disparities aside, Black Americans continue to live in a racial-adverse social climate, riddled with tragedies such as the death of Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, and others. This can make it difficult — or even scary— to go outside or obey certain preventative measures, such as wearing face masks.
As a therapist, I recognized that these issues intersect and commence at the same time. However, as a Black man, I also realize that it’s stressful out here. I know that I am not the only one who feels like this country is coming apart at the seams with no reprieve in sight. The sense of hopelessness and uncertainty that comes with living in a time of general isolation and confusion can certainly contribute to, and perhaps uncover depression and anxiety issues.
It is not a personal failure to be overwhelmed with the news, to feel downtrodden over COVID, or to feel unsafe in your community due to systemic racism and its symptoms being perpetuated nearly everywhere we look. Nor is it unreasonable to be worried about returning to work, finding work in the middle of a sudden economic downturn.
All of your feelings are valid!
However, use the list of strategies and resources below to help cope with these times, and all the stress and mess that comes with it:
● Speak Up! It is virtually impossible for you to make any progress in your mental health by remaining silent about your needs and deepest sentiments. It’s often the case that we must be silent about what most concerns us in spaces that most affect us, like work, social outings, and interactions with non-Black people. But, doing something as simple as writing out your thoughts and feelings, talking to your friends and family, can do wonders for your mental health.
● Reach out to faith-based community resources: Those of you who are religious practitioners do not have to physically be at your respective place of worship in order to stay connected to your spiritual community. Online services, resources, and group chats can offer help and comradery during these times.
● Get up and get moving: The gym might be closed, but incorporating even light exercise into your daily routine can help alleviate stress by channeling it in productive ways. It is generally safe to exercise outdoors, provided that you practice social distancing and other COVID safety measures are followed. For those in our community with limited mobility, click here for a helpful tips that keeps you in mind.
● Use social apps to stay connected to friends and family: Zoom, House Party, and Google Hangouts are just some of the free apps that you can use to connect with family and friends and not feel so isolated because of the pandemic.
● Consider remote counseling: Due to recent legislation, 26 states, including Maryland and the District of Columbia (DC), require that private insurance providers add telehealth coverage to their policies. In many cases, this includes mental health services such as counseling/therapy. Culturally competent mental health services, such as Breaking Barriers, are becoming more available to Black communities to provide genuine, authentic services with the Black experience in mind. Check with your insurance provider to learn more about your options.
This is not the first round of tough times that you have faced, and it is very likely that it won’t be the last time either. But, we at Breaking Barriers Mental Health Services are committed to being partners in the community and advocates for you, by providing the necessary resources, care, information, and insight to forge ahead.
Click here to see what Breaking Barriers can do for you!