So...

HI!

I've just finished work and it's officially summer. The past few weeks have been incredibly overwhelming. As someone who struggles with mental health, social anxiety and depression mostly, The past few months have been a bit scary. 

I haven't gone in to work in almost 3 months and have worked from home for the majority of that time. The change in my routine and extended time at home was initially very scary as I worked to keep my mental health in check and prioritize the things that have been working for me. Surprisingly for me things have overall been good! Turns out having the time to be aware of when things are shifting makes it easier to focus on keeping things upright. Who knew?!

Focusing on students I'm working with, excitement for the fall and starting my masters program in Art Therapy, the routine of driving my boyfriend to and from work, and getting excited for officially moving in together has gotten me through. The end of the school year typically brings stress and fatigue, this year has brought uncertainty as I have tried to anticipate what the summer will look like as far as available work opportunities so I've been on edge. I turned 28 which has come with joy and stress as getting older can. Not to mention just being in quarantine.

So when outcries and protests calling for action after the murder of George Floyd began I was already exhausted. I have largely spent my time away from texting and social media recently. The anxiety of the more immediate accessibility has been really hard for me. So when social media became flooded with not only the difficult stories but also the calls to arms, I was honestly burnt out. I acknowledged right away that I was overwhelmed and I couldn't access it right away.

The great thing about not being able to take it in right away is that now there are SO MANY resources available. Books to read, movies and documentaries to watch, charities to support, companies to support, just so many resources! I have spent the last two weeks feeling so guilty about doing or saying nothing. But my therapist reminds me every time I feel like I'm SUPPOSED to do something question why I feel like that. The thing that is supportive to me the most is there are so many people reminding us to continue the momentum. So if you like me were unable to jump right in, go back to what you've been sent and what's posted. They can be visited at any time, the support is needed on going, there's no expiration date.

If you still need time remind yourself one of the most powerful thing we can do for other people is to show up and hold space. I learned the concept while doing my yoga instructor training and I remind myself of that when ever the work seems overwhelming. Sometimes the consistency of showing up is what people need.

THANK YOU FOR READING IF YOU HAVE!
Stay safe, be well.
xD