As the world moves more deeply into 2021, it’s an opportune time to reflect on the previous, momentous year. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all areas of society, and its full impact is only beginning to become clear. While the logistical effects of the double pandemic is plain to see, we cannot ignore how it has affected individuals’ mental wellness. According to a report from the American Psychological Institute, the country is now facing a national mental health crisis.
Almost 78 percent of American adults say that the pandemic is a ‘significant source of stress in their life’, according to the body’s latest survey. Additionally, 63 percent of people say that the economy is a source of stress. That statistic is close to the percentage of Americans who reported stress during the 2008 recession. Needless to say, it’s time to approach this troubling issue head-on and take action to protect people’s health.
A healthy working environment and mental health are important factors in how we approach our jobs. Our productivity at work can be negatively impacted by stress, which is known as job-related anxiety or occupational hazards.
Pam Baer on the ‘Double Pandemic’: Renowned community leader and philanthropist Pam Baer recently shared her insights on the matter in a post on Medium: ‘Mental Health in a Double Pandemic’. She opens the post by stating that the current pandemic we are facing has ‘exposed the frailty of our global health system’. Ahead of offering advice and helpful tools, she also notes that the civil unrest felt across the nation has uncovered ‘generational wounds dating back centuries’.
“As we begin to move forward and work toward solutions to this double pandemic, healing is needed as individuals, as communities, and as a nation. I believe mental health is a powerful part of the solution,” writes Baer toward the beginning of the blog post.
“I want to make sure I am giving mindful, useful and accurate advice. The truth is, I have learned much by observing young people recently. In these younger generations, there is an amazing wave of engaged citizens, proud to use their voices, stand up for others and most importantly take action for change.”
Mental Health and Wellness Tools: Aside from sharing her insights on the current state of affairs across America, Baer offered mental health and wellness tools created by leading minds in the Black community. From tools to help people when talking to their children about race issues to research-backed meditation apps, the educational list is a starting point for those needing support. Here’s a quick recap of some of the tools that Baer has recommended:
ThoughtCo. – Novels Encouraging Conversations on Racism: Speaking to younger children about racism is essential if we are to move forward as a country. With that in mind, Baer highlights an interesting list-based article on ThoughtCo. ‘7 Young Adult Novels That Encourage Discussions on Racism’ covers some of the most pertinent YA books on issues such as race, discrimination, and xenophobia.
Headspace: Mindfulness has become hugely popular in recent years as a way to manage stress, anxiety, and mental health issues. One of the most well-known tools to get started with meditation and mindfulness is the Headspace app. Baer writes that the app combines clinical research and meditation support to offer an ‘impactful and progressive mindful practice’.
GirlTrek: Next, Baer highlights GirlTrek, a ‘non-profit for African American women and girls’. The project puts walking at the center of its activities when it comes to helping communities, supporting women across American, and inspiring healthy living.
Balanced Black Girl :As a ‘safe space for women of color to have candid conversations’, Balanced Black Woman is a welcome addition to the growing wellness field. Founded by Les Alfred, it encourages a wealth of positive conversations surrounding self-love, self-care, and general wellness topics. Baer also recommended her March 2019 talk called ‘Creating a Foundation of Mindfulness’ with guest speaker Nkenji Clarke.
Liberate Meditation: Liberate Meditation is a daily meditation app and a ‘safe space for the Black community’. The platform has a wide-spanning category list including both mental health tools and conversations surrounding race. From Sleep to Microaggressions and Race, the app covers a wealth of topics that support the Black community’s unique wellness needs.
Nedra Glover Tawwab:Baer also recommended Nedra Glover Tawwab, a therapist working in Charlotte, NC. The boundaries expert, content creator, and author helps to promote healthy relationships. With a mass of tools, techniques, and weekly Q&As, you can follow Tawwab on social media or order her book for additional insights and information.
Continuing to Learn and Support Others: The past year has shown us that there is much need for change across the United States. Like most of us, Baer is aware that this journey will not be a quick and easy one. Instead, it is a process of continual learning, communicating, and supporting those around us. Despite all of the above, Baer says she is ‘hopeful’ about the future of the country going forward.
“I will continue to learn with an open heart. I will continue to support community and mental health programs. I will also share educational resources from inspiring experts. I am hopeful we will emerge a kinder, more compassionate and more unified society,” she writes.
About Pam Baer: Born in Texas, Pam Baer attended the University of Texas in Austin before moving to New York City and working in the financial services sector. Shortly after marrying Larry Baer, CEO of the San Francisco Giants, she relocated to San Francisco where she now lives along with her husband and their four children.
A renowned community leader who is known for her philanthropic work, Baer is actively connected to numerous charitable organizations. She joined the San Francisco General Hospital Foundation in 2002 and served until 2018 when she was named their first Lifetime Director.
In 2014, she launched For Goodness Sake, a benefit corporation supporting health, educational and local causes by selling accessories and donating a percentage of the proceeds. In its 4 year duration, the benefit corporation gave back more than $1 million to various local organizations.
Baer holds various trustee and board positions including posts at Every Mother Counts, Nest, Family House and the Jewish Women’s Giving Circle.
About Carson Derrow
