Written by Bro. Dr. Darius Gwynn
In an era defined by global uncertainty, from wars and local crime to political instability and economic volatility, the psychological toll on Black people is undeniable. The 24-hour news cycle, social media discourse, and personal connections to local and global events make detachment nearly impossible. For many, the overwhelming nature of these crises can trigger anxiety, depression, hopelessness, and stress.
Yet, amid this turbulence, resilience remains within reach. The key is not to ignore the world’s problems but to develop strategies that preserve mental well-being while staying informed and engaged.
One essential approach is boundary setting.
Doomscrolling through social media or consuming sensationalized news does little to promote meaningful awareness and often fuels distress. Instead, limiting news exposure to specific times of the day and choosing credible, balanced sources can create a more sustainable relationship with information.
Community engagement is another powerful antidote to geopolitical stress. Black people have always found their power in their collective identity. Rather than succumbing to despair, contributing to local or global causes, whether through volunteering, advocacy, or donations, can restore a sense of agency. Organizations, such as the Center for Urban Families in Baltimore, are unique places to support causes that matter to Black people and families. Connection matters. Processing concerns with friends, family, or a therapist helps prevent isolation and encourages collective coping.
Prioritizing self-care is not a luxury but a necessity.
Exercise, proper sleep, and mindfulness techniques like meditation or journaling can provide stability in times of chaos. Even small, consistent actions like walking outdoors or unplugging from screens before bed, can make a difference. While we cannot control local or global events, we can control how we respond to them. By balancing awareness with self-preservation, we ensure that we remain engaged citizens without sacrificing our well-being in the process.
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This story was written by Bro. Dr. Darius Gwynn. Dr. Gwynn is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-C) in the state of Maryland. He has more than five years of extensive experience in therapy, crisis intervention, and psycho-education. He uses a client-centered approach in his practice which means that his clients take an active role in their healing process.
Darius earned his bachelor’s degree in Finance from Bowie State University, his master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) from Howard University, and his doctorate from Morgan State University.