Coping During Community Unrest

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Learn coping tips for times of distress

Many communities across the US are experiencing unrest and distress related to the unjust treatment of people who are Black in our country. Some people have experienced the community discord, discrimination, and trauma first hand and may have lost their sense of safety.

Coping during community unrest can be difficult to do.

This can lead to feeling overwhelmed, isolated, having trouble sleeping or difficulty concentrating. All are common reactions to witnessing and experiencing community violence.

Community violence incidents can also contribute to a heightened feeling of anxiety, depression and lead to increased use of drugs and alcohol.

If you’re experiencing these emotions or feeling angry, confused, or distressed in any other way, please know you’re not alone.

Some tips to help you cope:

*Do set a limit on your media consumption, including social media, local or national news.

*Decide when checking on updates is helpful and productive for you, and when it’s not.

*Talk to others who understand and respect how you feel—family members, faith leaders, people you trust.

*Educate yourself on ways to help or get involved.

*Try to do your best in taking care of yourself physically as well as mentally: this applies to your diet, sleep schedule, exercise, etc.

*Maintain regular routines to the extent possible.

*Focus on what you can do to care for yourself right here right now.

*Do start with small, doable steps for you to cope or take action as you are ready.

*Recognize that traumatic reactions which are different from our typical life stress and can lead to avoidance, emotional numbness and shame. Learn how to manage it.

*Do reach out for PTSD Treatment if you find yourself filled with distress, avoidance, emotional numbness and shame which you are unable to manage on your own as you are coping during community unrest.

If you find yourself in need of immediate assistance, don’t wait call the national Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 to be connected with a trained, caring counselor for emotional support.

Both the DDH and Lifeline are available 24/7/365 and your calls are free and confidential.

The DDH also has a texting option (text TalkWithUs to 66746; standard messaging/data rates apply). The Lifeline also offers text and chat options, which can be accessed by texting 988.

​ Do Contact Me to begin therapy!

What will you do today to help yourself cope with community unrest?

JD’s Midlife Tools For Living Practices, Holland, MI
Offering Heartfelt care, Compassion and Coping Tools