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Photo credit: Matthew Henry on Unsplash
I write this from my kitchen table, which I’m getting a lot more familiar with these days.
The effects of COVID-19 are affecting many of us in a holistic way. Even as a lifelong student of plant medicine and healing, my relationship to depression and anxiety is a deep and expansive one. Some of us were feeling sad, down, or depressed before the coronavirus pandemic. I hear you. I feel you. And I’m grateful you’re taking time out of your day to read this message, written with you in mind.
Even with the resources and tools provided to us, our mental health remains fluid and ever changing. It’s a relationship that we do not often get to dissociate from . . . but when we try, that experience also becomes a part of our path. Here are some truths and affirmations that have been serving me:
My relationship to my emotions is ever changing, and I am allowed to feel the entirety of that experience.
I trust that I am connected to a universal flow of light, and I accept the shadows that are often accompanied with light.
I am. Today, and every day, that is something to love about myself. I am.
COVID-19 was brought to our awareness at a time where seasonal affective disorder (SAD) was already playing a part in our reality. “Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression that’s related to changes in seasons.” SAD is usually accompanied by acute to extreme fatigue, depressive episodes, lack of mental and emotional clarity, trouble sleeping, low energetic state, and more. For those of us in cities that lack vital access to the sun for seasons at a time, seasonal affective disorder is known to creep up more commonly, and although this may be a regularly occurring phenomenon for you, this doesn’t make it any easier to manage.
Or, maybe you know depression as a more chronic, longer-term process in your life. Either way, it’s difficult to process a worldwide pandemic when you’ve been battling internal imbalances all along. In addition to what we process in our personal paths, a global interruption like COVID-19 is sure to trigger our systems as updates and reactions flood our timelines and conversations, disrupting our daily flow. And if you’re feeling isolated or intensified in your depression as we attempt to socially distance ourselves in efforts to avoid transmission of the virus, I’m here to affirm you in that feeling. During the first few days of social distancing, I found myself sinking deeper in a depressive state, not wanting to leave my bed, coping in non-productive ways, and feeling increasingly anxious.
If you find yourself in a similar state, let’s try to participate in the non-judgment of that part of us who needs to rest and dissociate from the world as our systems feel overwhelmed and out of control. Instead of focusing on what you should be doing, nurture yourself where you are. If you’re sad, sit in it, because that emotion is just as valuable and valid as the one that sparks your creativity and pleasure. Easier said than done, I know, so I’m sharing some of the resources that I’ve been utilizing to aid me in this process.
Meditation
Here is a list of six resources for when you’re feeling stressed, anxious, overwhelmed, or out of control — all led by BIPOC teachers and healers:
Taking Your Power Back led by Lalah Delia, on the Insight Timer App
Healing Internal Conflict, Tension, and Anxiety led by Roswell, on the Insight Timer App
EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) with Maryam Hasnaa, for shock, panic, fear of the unknown, worry, anxiety, stress
Beginning Meditation, Healing Ourselves Deep led by Serita Colette
The Beautiful Chorus Essentials Playlist led by aliveintheworld on Spotify
Tip: Listen to this playlist throughout the day on repeat when you find yourself feeling sad, lonely, or low-energy. Filling your space with affirmations and mantras that uplift you will bring you direct and residual peace
For Black Girls Everywhere — A Relaxing Meditation led by Lauren Ash courtesy of Evelyn From The Internets.
