Find your community of care

Many people are feeling overwhelmed by the sometimes astounding events which seem to be unfolding at a rapid fire pace in the geo-political space.

Some people say that every time they switch on the news there’s a story that provokes shock, anxiety or anger at the injustices meted out by the powerful, or act of war or violence by global players.

Quote This Woman+ asked psychologist Tshinondiwa Ramaite to help us unpack how to deal with these feelings of despair when there’s not much we can do about what’s happening on an individual level.

“Often we take for granted the far-reaching effects of policy decisions made by world leaders,” says Ramaite. “These policies further the neo-colonial agenda which seeks to maintain the status quo of hegemons exerting power over developing countries, primarily in the Global South. The means used to do this appear deceivingly benign in comparison with subjugation by means of conquest, however there is psychological harm that we often take for granted.”

She says that often during these times we find ourselves driven towards finding solutions while ignoring the impact of these decisions particularly on marginalised groups.

“The abrupt withdrawal of funding for HIV programmes, for example, has many talking about opportunities for developing countries to become less dependent on foreign aid, to bolster efforts towards funding and strengthening our own systems. While this is well intentioned, we need to also remember communities that are most affected, those with limited access to healthcare and particularly mental health services.”

Ramaite says while it “may feel like a dystopian fever dream”, for many however these are life-threatening decisions that cause distress to many, who may find themselves feeling overwhelmed and isolated.

But, she says, there is hope.

“There are many who have come before us who have provided solutions to mitigating the effects on mental health.

“Audre Lorde speaks of the radical act of self-care, that has unfortunately been misinterpreted and misrepresented to symbolise ‘me time’, an individualistic approach.” Lorde writes, “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare”.

Ramaite says a big part of this includes remaining true to ourselves in the face of political warfare.

“This includes knowing that we have the capacity for self-determination. Humanistic psychologist Carl Rogers also refers to congruence, or the state of being authentic and genuine.

“The works of Lorde and Rogers provide many creative ways in which we can mitigate the psychological harm being caused. We also need to remember that alone we may not be able to overcome this, but there are communities of care available to us.”

Ramaite encourages us to look to our communities for ways to overcome a feeling of helplessness.

“Within our local communities there are many ways that we can connect with others, create safe spaces and feel a sense of belonging. Through this our health, social and emotional needs can be met.”

Biography

Tshinondiwa Ramaite is a registered research psychologist and intern clinical psychologist. She has worked as a consultant in the sphere of sexual and reproductive health. Her areas of work and interest include human rights advocacy, mental health