In the realm of racial justice advocacy, historical echoes mingle with contemporary efforts for fairness and representation. As we navigate this juncture, there’s a resolute call for resilience—from marginalized communities to steadfast allies. But before redefining our strength, we must confront the psychological damage endured, both overt and covert.

As we think about how we may rekindle the spirit of perseverance, we must also recognize the psychological damage that we have been subjected to over the years that has captivated us in crippling and covert manners. Addressing the damage is critical to extinguish the immobilizing, overarching, and overwhelming effects. Yes, we need to redefine and revive our strength but before this can be accomplished, we must deal with ourselves. 

Publicly, marginalized individuals often face dismissal and invisibility, despite their contributions. In private however, when our guard is let down to replenish what resembles strength, we are in our most vulnerable state. Privately, we grapple with psychological wounds, bandaging our dignity repeatedly. We have to deal with bandaging and re-bandaging the open wounds of being denied, streamlined into subjective and preconceived mannerisms that we don’t lay claim to, and re-up our mental just to survive the psychological beat down of passive aggressiveness in which we are labeled and projected upon if we respond to it. Moreover, the denial of basic human rights compounds our struggle.

But a lot of us were taught at an early age that what goes on at home, stays home right? Wrong…starting at the root, not just removing the bandage that we have used to cover us up enough to survive, we need to talk about a few things together. To thrive, we have to face the issues and do something about it before we can move forward. What issues you may ask? Our mental health. Our mental well-being is severely taxed as we deal with everyday pursuit of equality and justice…or simply put, life. 

Yet, breaking the silence and addressing mental health is imperative. Resilience is defined as the ability to bounce back from challenges. Resilience alone isn’t enough; we need balance. We are resilient but there is the mental health aspect that we should pay attention to. Because we have been resilient thus far, our resources get used quickly. We are burned at both ends and need rest, grace, and a resurgence of physical and psychological strength. If we could just get the balance required to manage effectively, it would be great. There has been a slow movement that is breaking down the stigma of asking for and receiving mental health therapy in the marginalized community, which is a great start. Once the help that is needed to aid in the missing balance and restore the mental aspect is addressed, a renewed resilience of thriving instead of just surviving can be realized. We can then be even more proactive than reactive to situations. How do we do this?

By prioritizing self-care, normalizing mental health conversations, engaging in collective healing, advocating for policy change, creating safe spaces, and practicing resilience-building, we can navigate these challenges more effectively.

Prioritizing self-care: It’s essential to prioritize self-care practices that promote mental well-being. This can include setting boundaries, engaging in activities that bring joy and relaxation, practicing mindfulness or meditation, and seeking support from friends, family, or mental health professionals.

Normalize Mental Health Conversations: By continuing to encourage open and honest conversations about mental health within communities, the stigma can be broken down. By destigmatizing mental health issues and creating safe spaces for dialogue, individuals can feel more comfortable seeking support and resources when needed.

Engage in Collective Healing: Participate in collective healing practices that prioritize community support and solidarity. This can include attending support groups, joining advocacy organizations focused on mental health and racial justice, or participating in cultural or spiritual healing ceremonies.

Continue to Advocate for Policy Change: Advocate for policy changes that address systemic barriers to mental health care access and affordability, particularly within marginalized communities. This can involve supporting legislation that expands mental health services, increases funding for community-based programs, and promotes culturally competent care.

Create Safe Spaces: Establish safe spaces within communities where individuals can express their emotions, share their experiences, and receive support without fear of judgment or discrimination. These spaces can foster a sense of belonging and solidarity, which are essential for maintaining mental well-being.

Practice Resilience Building: Intentionally cultivate resilience by fostering positive coping skills and strengthening social support networks. This can involve participating in resilience-building workshops or training programs, learning stress management techniques, and engaging in activities that promote self-confidence and empowerment.

By prioritizing mental health within the racial justice movement, we equip ourselves to confront systemic barriers while fostering a stronger, more resilient community. It’s not just about surviving; it’s about thriving—both individually and collectively.