Nine Ways to Mentally Cope With Racial Injustice

Talk it out, give back and other tips.

#BlackLivesMatter - It seems that everywhere we turn, we see blatant miscarriages of justice when it comes to the devaluation of Black lives. From Freddie Gray to Eric Garner to Michael Brown to Marissa Alexander, it’s clear that the justice system doesn’t work in our favor — and this all can have a toll on our mental health. Here are some tips to cope. — Kellee Terrell(Photo: AP Photo/David Goldman)

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#BlackLivesMatter - It seems that everywhere we turn, we see blatant miscarriages of justice when it comes to the devaluation of Black lives. From Freddie Gray to Eric Garner to Michael Brown to Marissa Alexander, it’s clear that the justice system doesn’t work in our favor — and this all can have a toll on our mental health. Here are some tips to cope. — Kellee Terrell(Photo: AP Photo/David Goldman)

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It’s OK to Cry - Coping doesn’t mean you cannot display any emotion. What we have witnessed is traumatic and crying is a healthy way to address stress and sadness. So go ahead and let it out. (Photo: Hill Street Studios/GettyImages)

Pray or Meditate - Try praying for strength and clarity. Meditation can also make you feel more focused and more in tune with yourself and your feelings. Not to mention, putting something up to the universe can make you feel better.  (Photo: Hill Street Studios/Blend Images/Corbis)

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Pray or Meditate - Try praying for strength and clarity. Meditation can also make you feel more focused and more in tune with yourself and your feelings. Not to mention, putting something up to the universe can make you feel better.  (Photo: Hill Street Studios/Blend Images/Corbis)

It's the Little Things - Have you ever been in conversation with a person you might’ve met once or twice in passing and they remember something about you? Your instant reaction is usually, “Wow, you remembered?” Being observant and paying attention to small details always makes a huge impact when connecting with someone.  (Photo: Mark Edward Atkinson/Tracey Lee/Getty Images)

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Talk It Out - Talking to your friends and family — and even a therapist — can do wonders for your mental health. Sharing your feelings about how angry and sad you are can be extremely cathartic. Please don’t suffer in silence. (Photo: Mark Edward Atkinson/Tracey Lee/Getty Images)

Race in America - "We've made lots of progress. I sit here as the first African-American attorney general, serving the first African-American president of the United States. And that has to show that we have made a great deal of progress," Holder said. "But there's still more we have to travel along this road so we get to a place that is consistent with our founding ideals."   (Photo: Casarsa/Getty Images)

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Don’t Engage Bigots in Their Nonsense - Self-care is really important when coping with issues like this. One way to protect yourself is to not engage with people who are bigoted or refuse to see our plight as a problem. Let people know that you are not interested in talking and keep it moving. Same applies with social media. (Photo: Casarsa/Getty Images)

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Am I Next? - A man holds a sign as he takes part in a protest on Sixth Avenue in Manhattan after a grand jury decided not to indict New York Police Officer Daniel Pantaleo in Eric Garner's death. (Photo: Kena Betancur/Getty Images)

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Speak Out! - Organize in your community or join local activist groups to see how you can join them. You don’t have to sit on the sidelines. (Photo: Kena Betancur/Getty Images)

Photo By Photo: Kena Betancur/Getty Images

Give Back - Volunteering, helping others and giving back to your community can give you a new lease on life and make you feel like you are making a difference to the world. (Photo: Jose Luis Pelaez/Corbis)

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Give Back - Volunteering, helping others and giving back to your community can give you a new lease on life and make you feel like you are making a difference to the world. (Photo: Jose Luis Pelaez/Corbis)

Unplug - No more news, no more Facebook and no more talking about it for a little bit. Find the other things in life that can make you happy. Being informed is important, but sometimes you might need to walk away from media.(Photo: Marc Romanelli/Blend Images/Corbis)

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Unplug - No more news, no more Facebook and no more talking about it for a little bit. Find the other things in life that can make you happy. Being informed is important, but sometimes you might need to walk away from media.(Photo: Marc Romanelli/Blend Images/Corbis)

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Get Your Sweat On - Exercise is an amazing way to deal with stress and negativity. By working out, you are also releasing endorphins, feel-good hormones, that can help you feel a lot better. So whether it’s yoga, Zumba or taking a run, make sure to pay attention to your physical health in times like these. (Photo: Roberto Westbrook/Blend Images/Corbis)

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Love Yourself and Others More - The most radical thing we can do in times like these is to unconditionally love ourselves and each other. We can never allow for the devaluing of our lives to stop us from seeing our greatness, value and infinite potential. (Photo: Peathegee Inc/Blend Images/Corbis)