December 04, 2024

As a Black woman Physician in America, I find myself strangely at peace after the election. Not because I'm disconnected or in denial, but because I've learned to protect my mental health fiercely.

The Power of Understanding Recently

I encountered an insight that transformed my perspective on human behavior: The vast majority of our decisions stem from emotion and mental programming, with logic serving merely as justification. This understanding brings clarity to outcomes that might otherwise feel devastating.

When we see choices that seem to defy logic, especially in elections, this knowledge helps maintain equilibrium. It's not about accepting or approving - it's about understanding human nature to protect our peace.

Mental Health as Priority

My peace comes from years of intentional mental health protection. As Physicians, we're trained to push through discomfort, to prioritize others' needs, to maintain composure regardless of circumstances. But maintaining peace requires something different: fierce protection of our mental wellbeing.

This protection looks like:

• Setting firm boundaries around energy-draining activities

• Being selective about information consumption

• Processing emotions honestly

• Building supportive communities

Reality Without Devastation

Being at peace doesn't mean being uninformed or uncaring. As a Black woman in America, I maintain a firm grip on reality while protecting my ability to function, thrive, and care for my family. This balance comes from understanding human behavior and accepting that some outcomes, while disappointing, aren't surprising.

Moving Forward For every Physician mom processing these election results:

• Your mental health protection isn't selfish

• Understanding brings clarity

• Peace and awareness can coexist

• Building resilience serves your greater purpose

Stay grounded in reality while protecting your peace. Our ability to maintain clarity while protecting our wellbeing determines our long-term impact.

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