Practice positive affirmations
Shame unfortunately convinces many that they are unworthy or unlovable. Take time to praise and love yourself; for example, write down three things you like about yourself every day.
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Shame unfortunately convinces many that they are unworthy or unlovable. Take time to praise and love yourself; for example, write down three things you like about yourself every day.
Therapists and psychiatrists are trained to deal with a range of situations and can reliably hold a safe space for working through things together and develop helpful coping skills.
Explore spaces in your area or online dedicated to people who share your identities and experiences. Building community with people who understand you is an excellent way to cope with the negative effects of discrimination.
Seek out examples of people with your experiences and background who have positively contributed to society. This helps combat shame and stigma, building inner strength and resilience.
Non-stop exposure to anxiety-producing news can amp up any difficult feelings you’re already having. If you find yourself feeling worse after scrolling your feeds, do what you can to limit stressful content. You can decide to check in only at certain times, turn off notifications, or unfollow accounts that create stress and focus on ones that help you feel calm and connected.
When you’re in a crisis or managing big emotions, it’s easy to forget the everyday habits that can improve your mood and well-being. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eight to 10 hours is ideal. Spend time outside when possible. Move your body in whatever way you can that feels good to you. Make sure you’re eating and drinking plenty of water. Try journaling, meditation, or breathing to help you ground yourself in the present moment.
Set aside a dedicated time each day to do something that makes you feel calm, alleviates stress or simply makes you happy—whether it’s meditation, giving yourself a facial, cooking, dancing to your favorite playlist, walking your dog, or doodling in a coloring book.
Spending time with people you trust can really help you process and manage big emotions and is good for your mental health overall. Even if you don’t feel up to it, reach out to friends and family you trust, in person or remotely. You might be surprised how much it helps in hard moments.
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