Meandering Thoughts of a Psychologist

Tonight I read a long comment thread on my friend’s facebook page that gave me some perspective regarding the roadblocks to discussing race with my conservative friends and family. First, I was thankful I established some boundaries regarding my own social media a few months ago for my wellbeing. I essentially designated a county line and decided to no longer be “facebook friends” with anyone within Rabun. I have to live among and work with individuals in a mostly conservative town, and I know how viewing my perspective could upset others. I know this because it caused me to become upset and judge others when I viewed their opinions. I am now thankful that with healthy boundaries, I can continue to love and support others I care about without having too much information about their political and religious views. There will, of course, continue to be conversations about politics and religion because these are important, but they will be held in person where I have a better opportu...

Many of the religious leaders I’ve spoken with recently say they have anxiety about their sermons being “too much” for some and “not enough” of what others need regarding the topic of social justice and Black Lives Matter. My thoughts: when we are doing the hard work of trying to create a bridge, essentially, for our rural community to understand these issues when there is minimal to no exposure for them otherwise - we are going to face criticism...because people on the outside don’t understand our lives and communities here either. It’s like therapy, if we’re doing the hard work that is necessary, we are going to feel uncomfortable. One of my organizing partners of the event wrote this to again help our message be heard in this area where it is desperately needed. Many will criticize that we are providing too much grace for our community in this communication, but I think we can tolerate this criticism and provide grace for those who don’t understand us. I just ask that you hear our...

These past two months of the COVID-19 pandemic have been a perfect shit storm for my mental wellness. Just normalizing for anyone else out there who might be circling the drain with me. A general outline of therapy interventions to help: Identify the problem -> Normalize and Validate difficult feelings -> Examine what values are being challenged -> Make meaning or provide a positive reframe -> Examine personal role in struggles -> Develop a self-care plan Identify the Problem 1)       The huge portion of my time spent on mental health advocacy in Rabun has been an uphill battle with countless disappointments too ridiculous to name. We have NO community mental health clinic in our entire county, and somehow people think this is okay. 2)       My aunt who was basically a second mom to me as a child died by suicide in April. 3)       My family members criticized my efforts to...