Let’s Be Real: Everything feels scary right now, because it is. You are not alone.
by Sage Nestler, MSW
We were not built to handle living in a state of terror, injustice, and so much hatred while also handling our day-to-day lives.
Add mental illness or mental health concerns to the mix, and it makes managing daily life almost impossible.
So, let’s get real for a moment, here.
I believe in being vulnerable and showing my humanity in this work.
While I work in mental health, I also live with multiple mental illnesses and disabilities.
On a good day, managing everything is hard.
With the everything that has happened since Trump entered office a little over a year ago - and the months leading up to the election - I have experienced a serious decline in my mental health.
My eating disorder relapsed and I have had to pursue intensive care with my own care team. I am also experiencing increased symptoms related to my complex trauma.
I believe in sharing this, because I want you to know I am in the trenches living through all of this with you.
If you struggle with addiction and are experiencing increased symptoms or a full relapse, please try not to be hard on yourself.
If you are in recovery from an eating disorder and have relapsed, I am here holding your hand.
If you struggle with self-harm and it has increased, or you are experiencing symptoms of suicidal ideation, there is nothing wrong with you.
Fear is a normal response to everything that is going on. If you weren’t struggling in some capacity - or completely unbothered - then I would be concerned.
So, let’s take a breath together.
Breathe in: 1, 2, 3, 4
Breathe out: 1, 2, 3, 4
Step back from social media if you can. Even for an hour. For a day.
Step back from the constant news blasting us.
Constant exposure to violent footage IS proven to be detrimental to your mental health - especially if you already have trauma.
Stepping back doesn’t mean you don’t care about what is going on. Stepping back is self-preservation.
If you can’t bring yourself to eat full meals, grab any snack that sounds good to you. Put aside the guilt surrounding eating it if that is something you experience.
Take small sips of water or any drink that sounds good to you if you can’t bring yourself to drink a full glass or water bottle.
Use cleaning wipes or a washcloth and soap if you can’t bring yourself to shower.
Try mouthwash if even brushing your teeth right now is hard.
Set timers to remind you to take any medication you may be on.
If you have a therapist, a care team, a sponsor, or anyone who can support you, don’t hesitate to reach out to them.
If you are in need of resources, please refer to our general resources for LGBTQ+ organizations, trusted mental health organizations and providers, healthcare, psychedelic support, Native and Indigenous support, and legal and financial resources.
If you need crisis support, find those resources below.
For resources surrounding ICE, safety measures, rapid response networks and organizations in Colorado (as well as a link to finding rapid response networks in your area) click below.
If you want ideas on what to do outside of protesting, I’m including those as well.
For information on recovery centers and options near you, please visit Recovery.com.
Should you need any other resources, I am here for you. Please feel free to reach out to me below or email me at sage@releasingthephoenix.org
