Turning anxiety into action in aftermath of Floyd’s death

Had George Floyd lived, he surely would have had horrific nightmares, potentially culminating in a crushing case of PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). But he didn’t live, and what we’re experiencing in the wake of his horrific demise is the real threat that we, as observers, might also experience PTSD as the recollection of his videoed death haunts us.

A recent interview sponsored by the Mental Health Association of Central Florida raised several pertinent discussion points. Participants included Jeffrey McCary, the director of operations and research at MHACF’s Outlook Clinic, and Dr. Germayne Graham, associate director of LEAD Scholars Academy and director of the President’s Leadership Council at UCF.

As we witness the global response to George Floyd’s death, people of diverse ethnicities are demonstrating their understanding of what “Black Lives Matter” really means. It’s not just about black people. It’s about humans and humanity.

How do we process this understanding? How do we deal with the grief and guilt surrounding our helplessness? How do we come to grips with the realization that life will never be the same?

According to Dr. Graham, there are steps everyone can take to direct our voices in positive ways.

First, we need to assess what we are realistically able to do based on our skills and strengths.

Second, we need to assess what the people around us are feeling and doing. How are our families/co-workers/neighbors doing?

And third, we need to put into action the skills we can offer. Can we protest? Can we make food for and provide water to the protesters? Can we use our artistic talents to make posters that encourage and support? Can we write feature articles and Letters to the Editor?

Once we understand what our roles can be, the guilt about doing nothing will fade.

One other essential point: Sometimes we need to take ourselves out of the story to regenerate and refocus. What’s your place to de-stress, to lower your heart rate, to breathe? How does your body feel when you slow down? For one thing, those shoulders that have been creeping up to your ears fall back into place. Approach everything in moderation, and that includes absorption of the news.

Are you eating well? Sleeping well? Exercising? Meditating? Praying?

Are you ready to put your voice out there in whatever form works for you? And are you prepared for the responses? They won’t always be positive, but remember, there are “delete” and “unfollow” buttons for those messages that just aren’t helpful.

Take a deep breath. Even when our opinions are diametrically opposed, the best response is to simply listen. There are always points on which we can agree, no matter how divergent our opinions. Many opinions are rooted in fear and many have had generations of tradition to uphold, but what does every human deserve? At our core, it is the right to be heard.

Now, combine your ability to listen with a big dose of empathy, and you have the core of all leadership. If you can identify the deep emotion of empathy in yourself, you can find it in others.

Use your voice. Employ your talents. Don’t be afraid to say some things you’ve never had the courage to say before.

Now, get going!