Psychological Well being Professional Advises Self-Care Throughout Chauvin Trial – NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Price

It is day seven of the Derek Chauvin Trial and it has become difficult for some to watch the testimony in progress. The video with cell phones and body cameras was viewed by millions. Now, while the trial is underway, we learned more about the day George Floyd died almost a year ago. While people confess to feeling stressed mentally and emotionally, mental health experts say it’s important to set boundaries.

Baqi Martin is the licensed clinical social worker supervisor for the Connections Wellness Group. He said the testimony, video from that day, and even pictures from the courtroom could be a trigger; especially for black Americans.

“If we can’t find a solution to it, the re-trauma is just as real as the original event,” said Martin. “Nightmares and fears and worries, realistic or not, are confirmed because I can’t make sense of them.”

Martin said it is important to set boundaries as the process continues. By observing daily, a person can see how important the case is and what impact the results will have without engaging on a daily basis.

“In this room there is also this level of generational trauma coming through. That constant feeling of lack of justice, ”he said.

When you feel the need to see, Martin said, ask yourself if you have the time and space to process what you see. And take stock of the people you can reach for additional clarity. Finally, Martin said we shouldn’t underestimate the power of physical activity to release toxic energy.

“Can we find different ways to find clarity and give our bodies peace and turn off this alarm system?”

Martin said ultimately there was no shame in completing the process that was just too much to endure.

If you are having trouble processing this or other recent events, the following resources are available:

https://www.apa.org/

https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/learn/index.htm

https://www.nami.org/Home

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or contact the Crisis Text Line by sending ‘Home’ to 741741.