13 NINETEEN FIFTY-SIX MAGAZINE
But despite these very real mental health concerns, the combination <strong>of</strong> socioeconomic disparities, inequality <strong>of</strong> care and social stigma prevents most Black people from getting the treatment they need. “I think we may not have these conversations because <strong>of</strong> the negative outlook that the Black community sometimes has when it comes to mental health,” Hill said. Hill said to fix anything, you have to have conversations with people who understand what you’re going through. However, before learning how to cope with a mental health issue, individuals must first acknowledge the problem and understand that everyday things can be triggers. Although it has been vital in spreading news and the important narratives <strong>of</strong> activists during protests, for some people social media is triggering. With many videos circulating platforms depicting Black people being murdered, violent encounters at protests, biased reporting from news outlets and more, some have difficulty staying informed while also staying in the right mind frame. “We’ve seen enough videos <strong>of</strong> people dying,” Turner said. She said she avoids videos like that and prefers news outlets like NPR because they usually do not engage in sensationalism. “That’s a way I protect myself, and that’s a way I have to protect myself,” Turner said. Hill and Turner both agreed that curating a positive feed is essential for maintaining mental health on social media. Hill said to benefit her mental health, she sometimes dials back her social media consumption and takes a personal day. “Every now and then, it’s kind <strong>of</strong> needed,” she said. Lux Murray, a lead organizer <strong>of</strong> T-Town Freedom Marches, uses what he sees as fuel in the fight for change. “Currently, with everything going on, I get tired <strong>of</strong> seeing the things that have been happening for so long. That’s why I continue to throw protests because I want to see a change in this country,” Murray said. While protesting can be fuel for some, it might not be the best idea for others, but there are still ways to help. Turner said because <strong>of</strong> a preexisting injury, it was not safe for her to attend protests, so instead she bought masks for the protestors. She recalled a friend who could not participate in protests either but decided to help with bailout funds. “Figure out what you can do,” she said. “It is just as important as being on the front line; you have to provide respite for those who are on the front line.” Turner said at times, people feel guilty for doing what they need to to stay healthy, but people have to do what’s right for them “so that you can go out there and deal with anti-Blackness and racism.” Whether you are on the front lines or just <strong>of</strong>fering support, mental health is still an important part <strong>of</strong> living a happy life while also fighting for change. “It’s okay to take a day every now and then,” Hill said. “It’s okay not to be okay.” Hill said it is important to take mental health seriously before it gets to the point where it’s overwhelming because moods like that can be hard to get out <strong>of</strong>. “Mental health is very important to me. Your mind is important. If you need to take time to yourself to get your mind together, then do so,” Murray said. “I’m going to continue the fight, and so whenever they get their mind together, then they can come back and join us but take care <strong>of</strong> your mind before you worry about anything else.” Regarding the importance <strong>of</strong> mental health, Turner recalled the words <strong>of</strong> a friend who said, “I’m not someone who can go out and march currently, but I’m raising my children to be joyful, and that’s radical.” “If you think about it, it is,” Turner said. “The people who don’t care for us and do not love us do not want to see us be joyful and be happy, and I think that’s important as well as getting out and exercising your right to vote.” SPRING <strong>2021</strong> 14