Like many women today, I feel numb. It really happened. Roe v Wade has been overturned.
Our country has seen more than its fair share of nationwide tragedy over the last few years, with minority rights attacked at every side. Living with minority identity(ies) can develop minority stress in which individuals feel the mental and emotional toll of their limited or lack of privilege. Today is one of those days that we feel the load of having female reproductive organs.
When we are confronted with adversity beyond our immediate control, stunned by tragic news, or experience significant loss, it is natural to feel big feelings. Whatever you're feeling right now is valid. Common reactions may include:
Denial, shock, numbness
Shock, numbness
Confusion
Moodiness and irritability
Anxiety, worrying, panic
Jumpiness, hyper-vigilance
Guilt
Feelings of helplessness
Sadness, depression
Fatigue
Disturbing images or memories
Nausea, headaches
Feeling vulnerable or unsafe
Social withdrawal
Difficulty concentrating
Difficulty sleeping
Anger and blame of others.
Numbness or feeling like you are not reacting
We are here to support you through this news.
Now What?
Allow yourself space to feel and think - Give yourself permission without judgment to feel and think whatever you do, knowing these are all valid reactions to this news.
Talk about your thoughts and feelings - Identify someone you feel safe talking openly to about how you feel about what is happening who will listen and support you.
Take care of yourself - Tend to self-care including eating and sleeping, careful to not overdo it with things that could be harmful such as alcohol, drugs, caffeine, nicotine, sugar, medicine, etc. Also take time to do things to step away from the topic and feel better through pleasant activities.
Check on your loved ones - Check in on the people you know who may have been negatively impacted by this news. Remember that everyone processes news differently and may have reactions that are different than what you expected or what you agree with.
Moderate your news intake - Be mindful of how discussions and exposure to the news stories about this topic affect you. You may want to limit it to a certain time amount per day or to a portion of the day when you are alone or have the time/space to process it.
Responsibilities - If you find it is difficult to concentrate on your schoolwork or job responsibilities, you may want to speak to your professors or supervisors about how to make adjustments while you recover.
Seek Support - Initial stress reactions may feel very strong and diminish naturally over time, but if you find that your distress is causing problems in your daily life, you may benefit from increased support through therapy.
If you’re considering self-harm or suicide, you’re not alone.
You can access free support right away with these resources:
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Call the Lifeline at 800-273-8255 for English or 888-628-9454 for Spanish, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The Crisis Text Line. Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741.
The Trevor Project. LGBTQIA+ and under 25 years old? Call 866-488-7386, text “START” to 678678, or chat online 24/7.
Veterans Crisis Line. Call 800-273-8255, text 838255, or chat online 24/7.
Deaf Crisis Line. Call 321-800-3323, text “HAND” to 839863, or visit their website.
Befrienders Worldwide. This international crisis helpline network can help you find a local helpline.
Please let us know how else we can support you.
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