For nearly all of my posts for Rayze, it is my goal to call people in through educating, amplifying voices and experiences, and offering ongoing support. However, while I intended for today’s blog to entail some new political mess that dehumanizes minorities even further or continues to set fire to our world (quite literally), I think it is best if I just keep it simple for a moment. Actually, I don’t think simple is the right term because it is incredibly complicated. What I mean to say is, that I would like to be transparent.
And if I am being transparent, then I think it is important we begin to have the discussion of social justice and the impact it has on mental health. Besides feeling as though the world is quite literally ending as I watch the latest news’ stories or read the newest articles, I can’t help but also feel this sense of overwhelming sadness. A heavy kind, the kind that weighs on your shoulders and sits in your chest. And truth be told, this degree of sadness is really fucking hard to navigate. This is unknown territory to me.
Of course, the work I do is necessary. It is my responsibility to show up for those who are being silenced and stripped of their basic human rights and protections. And while this is heavy work for ANYONE to do, it is that much heavier when the people you are fighting for are an extension or reflection of you. There is something almost traumatizing about not only fighting against injustice but experiencing it and screaming for help while no one seems to care.
If I am being honest, it has resulted in nightmares, depressive episodes, and anxiety. And even with all that being said, there is nothing else in this world that I am more passionate about (besides mental health and the people I love) or feel a draw to do. So, now I am stuck here, wondering how to exist in both spaces. A space that fights for the well-being of others, whilst also protecting my own.
I have no answers. I just continue to stumble open the same conclusion: it will be a journey. And considering how the past three years have gone, it is going to be a messy one. I don’t think this is a bad thing, just a hard thing.
I chose to share this today because maybe you also feel defeated by the news or your mind. I just want to sit in that space with you and let you know its normal and its okay. For some odd reason, I still have hope and am hoping you do, too. And when there is hope, there is a way.
