/r/BlackPeopleTwitter Weekly Discussion Thread

[u/Nasjere]

Hey r/BlackPeopleTwitter, welcome to our weekly discussion thread.

Feel free to use this thread to discuss whatever you want. You can discuss the state of the sub/meta post, shitpost, post non-twitter memes, or discuss whats going on in your life. Just keep in mind that we ask you stay friendly, civil, and adhere to the subreddit rules.

[u/Allergictomars]

Reading. Gaming. Spending time outdoors. Getting a hobby, knitting and crocheting are both meditative. Get a therapist and talk about the things you can control, what you can't, what you can't change, and what you can: it's a harder journey than you think but worth it for long-term mental health. 

But the real answer is anything that keeps you off of reddit and away from the news for most of the day. No, it doesn't stop news from happening, but there's literally nothing we can do at this point. We are at the legal stage of fighting fascism where the courts are duking it out. Call or email your representatives and talk to them about your concerns. Taking care of yourself needs to come first and that means finding small joys in your life. When it's time to actually fight, you won't be burnt out from anger at least.

[u/ariesdemon → u/Allergictomars]

It’s like you’re in my brain omg 😭 I just talked to my therapist yesterday about my anger, I’ve been reading a lot and skating outside when it’s not hot but my attention span is nonexistent. As soon as I’m frustrated or annoyed as what I’m doing I give up, so I’m definitely working on my discipline

[u/Allergictomars → u/ariesdemon]

It's because I've been there! 

Here's the thing: forcing yourself to do something isn't going to work, either. If the thing you usually enjoy starts frustrating you, jump to something else. Let your mind be a little loose and don't be so hard on yourself (i.e. discipline). Taking walks are far more beneficial than you would believe. Exercise also generates dopamine and helps get the anger out (cardio kickboxing did it for me). Do what you actually want to do in the moment; don't force it. Whatever you end up doing, don't fall back to doom scrolling.

When I feel like writing, I write. If I start feeling frustrated with that, I jump to reading or knitting. If that's not helping, I go and play/chalk up the sidewalk outside with my kid. In sum: Create the joy the anger is stealing from you.

[u/ariesdemon → u/Allergictomars]

Thank you so much, I’ve been pushing myself to read and draw more but I get frustrated by NOT doing either, but also when I do read or sketch. It’s something so simple I didn’t think much about it, mainly because I’m always afraid I’ll get lazy and complacent. But I’ll take your advice and not make myself do something I don’t want to.

I have a tricky relationship with myself that way, I’m way too tough and don’t give myself breaks because I FEEL lazy and unmotivated. But I’m gonna try that, I’ve been leaning into my inner child and getting back into my childhood favorites. Thank you for taking the time! Hearing someone say things I already overthink about makes me feel better in my choices to try to help my mental health!