Our community is grieving the tragic loss of Tyre Nichols, and we recognize the tidal wave of emotions you may be feeling. Processing the anger, despair, and frustration of yet another Black life lost at the hands of police is complicated, especially when there’s video footage of it floating around on the internet.

You don’t have to see the video to believe what happened to Tyre. Especially for Black Americans, watching what transpired on video can be traumatizing. If you do decide to watch, these guidelines are helpful for processing it.

Remember that your mental health matters during this difficult time. If we are going to face the harsh reality of police brutality, it’s crucial that we find ways to heal. Showing up for our communities starts with showing up for ourselves.

One way to process difficult emotions is to find a creative outlet, like music, art, or writing. Some incredibly moving songs, works of art, and pieces of writing were created in the wake of the death of George Floyd in 2020 and the racial justice reckoning that ensued. These creations are not only a form of protest and resistance but an artist’s own form of healing.

We invite you to answer the question, “what’s your outlet?” as you center your mental health. Tyre’s outlet was skateboarding, so in his honor, let’s find an outlet that helps us cope.

Let’s Do This,

DoSomething

Show your peers that you’re looking out for them during this tough time, beyond “you good?” When you share our Vibe Check Resource Guide, you’re letting someone know that their mental health matters.

“Maybe I was not a typical student, but it was too much to go through. My loneliness, intense academic pressure, and anxiety fueled by financial problems and uncertainty about college triggered stress during my senior year of high school,” said DoSomething member Dilliram K., 21. “I was unaware of my mental health issues until my mathematics teacher recognized my symptoms. My declining grades, insomnia, and increased anxiety were clues I didn’t realize were telling me something critical. If I were informed about mental health and the significance of a healthy social life, I wouldn’t have gone through a stressful experience…Sharing about the mental health crisis and the DoSomething Vibe Check Guide to more than 84 friends, coworkers, and families through online group chats, I believe I have furthered my commitment to awareness and provided critical information to people around me.”

DoSomething member Erin J. said “As someone who has struggled with my mental health for over 5 years now, I know what it’s like to deal with the hardships that come along with it. A big part of my healing process was my friends and I want to be that support for anyone else in need. Feeling cared for during your journey is an essential step to recovering.”

Join Dilliram and Erin and ensure your peers know they always have someone in their corner.

Looking for the helpers… In light of Tyre Nichols’ murder, the Memphis skateboarding community and others around the country are banding together to honor his memory. We love their commitment to remembering the bright, caring, and talented person he was.

ICYMI… a women’s-only boxing center just opened in Gaza, Palestine. It’s the first of its kind and is defying gender roles in a region of the world where boxing is traditionally a men’s sport. How’s that for a punch to the patriarchy?!

What’s going on… in Iran? With so much international buzz around the current situation, we wanted to give you a more personal take on it. Check out this account from one of our staffers, which includes how you can help. 

Did you hear… Senators were quoting Taylor Swift lyrics during the Ticketmaster hearing. There truly is a T-Swift lyric for every occasion, after all!

In the world of news… In a recent interview, Pope Francis called on the world to decriminalize homosexuality. This is the first statement of its kind from any Pope, and is a step in the right direction for advancing LGBTQ+ rights globally.

January is almost over ! And as a way to close out the first month of 2023, our friends at CollegeXpress are giving away a $2,023 (get it?!) no-essay scholarship through January 31! And all you have to do is answer one simple question. 

Complete a free profile on CollegeXpress and answer the following to be entered: What is one new thing you hope to try in 2023?

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