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Steps to protect your mental health after traumatic news
With the recent news stories and tragedy of NBA Legend Kobe Bean Bryant, his daughter along with others, the nation is at disbelief and shock. Not because of the helicopter crash but because one of our premier icons of the world, one of the greatest players to have ever played the game of basketball, Los Angeles Lakers superstar at age 41 along with Gianna (his daughter) died too soon. The Federal investigators will try to determine what caused the crash in the final moments. But for many of us, we are left with endless questions and we want to know why! For many of us who are basketball fans, admirers and have families with daughters and sons this really hits home. Faith will allow us to get through this tragedy. Prayers for the families will help us embrace life and family even more.
Social media can make events feel like they’re even harder to get through. The honoring and celebration of the Life and Legacy of Kobe Bryant will be on every worldwide vendor for days if not weeks. In times of sadness, grief and mourning, the traumatic news coverage will be relentless, so it’s important to protect your mental health and emotional stability.
Here are three steps, which you can take now to take care of yourself.
1. KNOW WHAT YOUR TRIGGERS ARE.
In the day f social media, your first impulse when something happens can be to tune in to your favorite platform to get the latest updates as news unfolds. If one platform isn’t giving you what we need, you may find yourself going from site to site and social platform. The truth is, this isn’t helping. Burying yourself in information doesn’t allow you time to properly process and can become overwhelmed. It’s ok to take a moment, unplug, and figure out how you’re really feeling.
2. CREATE BOUNDARIES.
Once you’ve figured out what your triggers are it’s ok to let your family and friends know. Create healthy boundaries for yourself by requesting that they don’t send you any more information or footage. Create the space you need to feel better and give your family and friends the information they need to support you in doing this.
3. BE MINDFUL OF WHAT YOU SHARE.
Similar to creating boundaries for you, take a moment and think about others that may be working to do the same thing. Be mindful of the posts and information you share. Consider whether or not your content may be triggering to someone else and allow that to inform your decision on posting, or not.
Everyone processes and grieving differently and there are people following you that may not want to (or be ready to) share in your pain or outrage. With all the of these steps and grieving in general, it’s important to remember it’s on your time. Don’t let anyone rush you through your process or tell you it’s time to get over it. Take your healing step by step and according to what feels good to you. You may feel heavy now as the information is new, but every day progress will remove some weight and you’ll be able to get back to yourself.
Let us keep the families of the Bryant’s and others in our prays. One day at a time. God is still able. Faith will get you through unexplainable things. God can’t be explained but God can reveal. We will miss Kobe B. Bryant.
“Friendship Is Essential To The Soul”