Psychological Safety and Self-Care
Happy Sunday. Today’s blog is a reflection piece I have been thinking about a lot in the past week. The words “psychological safety” have been sticking with me and I have decided to finally put my thoughts together.
“Psychological safety means feeling safe to take interpersonal risks, to speak up, to disagree openly, to surface concerns without fear of negative repercussions."
I've been reflecting on my own psychological safety this week. How am I going to set boundaries personally and professionally without being worried? Setting the expectation for what I am up for and what I am not going to get into with others. I, we, have to protect our peace when we cannot look for or count on protection.
Gender based violence, misogyny, misogynoir, and race-based violence are going to be on the rise in the height of the upcoming election. I have made a boundary to not discuss politics in a personal arena, but I can talk about the impact it will have. It has been a scary few weeks and while many are hopeful about turning another political corner, I believe we will truly see the conscience of America in a few short months.
Let’s be honest. I know, and you know people who continue to maintain neutrality on important matters, not because of religious or other practices, but because they just choose not to. Not registered to vote, registered and don’t go…at the end of the day just not participating.
It’s important to make a decision on what you will discuss (or not) regardless of your stance on voting for the sake of your psychological safety and mental health.
Self-care during this period is non-negotitable. It can be a time of heightened stress and anxiety. Here are some strategies to help maintain your well-being:
Limit Media Consumption: Reduce the amount of time spent watching, reading, or listening to news about the election including scrolling social media. Choose specific times to check updates rather than continuous monitoring.
Set Boundaries: Establish boundaries with friends and family about political and current events discussions. It's okay to decline conversations that you find stressful or upsetting.
Stay Informed, Not Overwhelmed: Choose reliable sources for your news and avoid sensationalist media. Get the information you need without getting overwhelmed by constant updates.
Engage in Meaningful Activities: Focus on activities that bring you joy and relaxation, such as hobbies, exercise, reading, or spending time with loved ones.
Mindfulness and Relaxation Grounding Techniques: Techniques like meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga can help reduce stress and maintain emotional balance.
Connected in Community: Maintain connections with supportive friends and family who can provide comfort and understanding.
Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Eat a balanced diet, get regular exercise, and ensure you get enough sleep. These basic self-care practices can significantly impact your overall well-being.
Limit Social Media: Social media can be a significant source of stress during elections. Consider taking breaks or setting specific times to check social media.
Seek Professional Help: If the stress becomes overwhelming, consider talking to a mental health professional who can provide strategies and support.
Focus on What You Can Control: Concentrate on actions you can take, such as voting or participating in community activities, rather than worrying about outcomes beyond your control.
Disclaimer:
The intention for using social media for social workers and other mental health professionals is for marketing, education, advocacy, thought leadership, and providing content in a technologically changing field. We want to do this while making potential therapy-seekers aware of the risks and benefits of engagement on social media and Internet where mental health professionals are present. A therapeutic relationship is a professional relationship and in today's technological climate, a social media presence or following your therapist on social media is not to be confused with a relationship outside of therapy. Ethical, professional, and therapeutic boundaries must be followed and honored.
A counseling social media page or blog is not psychotherapy, a replacement for a therapeutic relationship, or substitute for mental health and medical care. A social media presence as a counseling professional is not seeking an endorsement, request, or rating from past or current clients. No social media posts or blog should be considered professional advice. The information contained in posts is general information for educational purposes only.
Be mindful of sharing personal details or details or others if you choose to comment.
Please consult your physician or mental health provider regarding advice or support for your health and wellbeing.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a medical and/or psychiatric mental health crisis and requires assistance, please call 911 emergency services.
988- National Suicide Prevention Hotline (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
Safe Horizon 24-hour Hotlines (se habla español):
Domestic violence victims: 800-621-HOPE (4673)
Victims of crime and their families: 866-689-HELP (4357)