The news of the past month has been difficult to process. The Supreme Court decision on reproductive rights, another mass shooting tragedy, this time in nearby Highland Park, and the jury verdict in the Depp v. Heard case have all had a tremendous impact on our SHALVA family.
We are deeply concerned about the impact these events can have on survivors of domestic abuse. The Supreme Court decision will make it be easier for abusers to trap their victim through refusal to use birth control and forced pregnancy. The lack of Congressional action on an assault weapons ban means Highland Park will not be the last community to mourn, and the media frenzy surrounding the Depp v. Heard verdict shows the lack of public understanding of the dynamics of intimate partner abuse.
WE ALL NEED SUPPORT
SHALVA clinical staff are experts at developing strategies to cope with the overwhelming feelings of fear and anxiety that survivors and others might be experiencing. They know how important it is to practice self care.
IMPROVING YOUR MOOD
The best practice is to have several self-care options available so you can improve your mood when you feel triggered. Even better is to build some self-care habits to do every day.
Here are ten self-care suggestions that you can do in a short amount of time:
- Pet a furry friend. If you don’t have a pet, perhaps you can ask a friendly pet owner in your neighborhood, volunteer at an animal shelter or seek out a visit with a therapy dog through your town.
- Enjoy the great outdoors! Take a walk or just find a spot outside, lie on your back and watch the sky.
- Have a good laugh. Watch a funny movie or comedy show.
- Try meditating for one minute with a timer or try one of the many meditation apps available on your smart phone.
- Create space in your home. Recycle or donate three things from your wardrobe that you don’t love or regularly wear.
- Take three deep breaths. Close your eyes, breathe in through your nose to expand your belly, and then sigh out loud on your exhale.
- Hydrate and nourish yourself to have more energy, a clearer mind and to sleep better.
- Play your favorite dance music and dance like no one is watching!
- Create a home spa. Take a long bath or shower, wrap yourself in a cozy robe and read a magazine.
- Write your thoughts for fifteen minutes on anything bothering you. Then throw the paper away and let it go.
ASK FOR HELP—BIG OR SMALL
If nothing seems to help, you may find it better to talk through the anxiety and/or fear with a friend or professional. Please know that you are not alone. Our community has many mental health resources available, and the new 988 mental health hotline is available if you are experiencing a mental health crisis. Wishing everyone moments of peace in the days ahead.
