May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to recognize the importance of mental well-being in our lives. This year, with the increase in global conflicts, violence on college campuses, and hate crimes, the need for collective healing and processing is more crucial than ever. For support during this challenging time, we’ve compiled a list of resources. While this list is not exhaustive, we welcome your suggestions. If you know of any additional resources, please email us at outreach@raksha.org or send us a direct message on Facebook or Instagram.
NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness offers a wealth of resources and education on mental health, including how to help yourself, help others, and provides support groups. NAMI has local chapters in each state, NAMI GA offers local support & resources as well as a local non-crisis helpline (M-F 9am-5pm): 770-408-0625.
Report an Incident
If you believe that you or someone you know has been the victim of racial or religious discrimination, please report it by filling out this form or by calling the CAIR-Georgia legal line at 404-239-2086.
How to Protest Safely (source: https://www.nrdc.org/stories/how-protest-safely)
- Research any demonstrations you plan to attend
- Buddy up
- Pack a bag
- Be mindful of your phone settings
- The Electronic Frontier Foundation’s guide to protesting suggests encrypting your phone and turning it on airplane mode before demonstrating, since phones can leave behind bread crumbs of data that leave you vulnerable.
- Dress for Anonymity and Safety
- Know your rights
- The National Lawyers Guild has a guide on what to say—or not to say—to law enforcement for both citizens and noncitizens.) Write down the numbers of an emergency contact and emergency legal counsel on your arm in permanent marker
- Follow the lead of organizers
- Stay vigilant
- Prepare to encounter law enforcement
- Protect fellow protesters’ privacy
10 things to know for non citizen protestors (source: ilrc.me/safeprotest)
Solidarity Encampment Support Workshop Series (Source: https://hearttogrow.org/)
HEART in partnership with Maruna Healing is offering a workshop series to support Palestinian solidarity campus encampments with psychological first aid, creating compassion containers for disclosures of harm, and building cultures of accountability. Register HERE.
Free Speech on Campus Webinar (Source: https://www.sabalegalfdn.org/)
Please Join the SABA North America Foundation
Learning Lab: Free Speech Amidst Campus Unrest!
Join online with expert panelists as they discuss:
- Core Speech Issues at Universities
- Immigration Considerations for Foreign Students
- Intersection Between the Right to Free Speech and Other Laws
- Potential Consequences for Students Engaging in Protests and Activism
Register at https://sabafoundation-free-speech.eventbrite.com
Free Mental Health Support (Source: https://www.calamansicounseling.com/)
Calamansi Counseling is offering free mental health support calls for SJP students and student activists. These support calls for activists will be facilitated by volunteer anti-oppressive mental health professionals in support of Palestinian liberation. These are 30 minute non-crisis, non-therapy phone calls. Click for more information & book your call.
Palestinian Healing Circle (Source: https://www.instagram.com/shereenmft/)
Starting May 30, 2024 to July 25, 2024, The Depth Collective will offer a Palestinian Healing Circle, an 8-week program focused on psychodynamic and shadow work therapy, designed specifically for Palestinians, BIPOC folx, and allies. This safe and supportive space encourages participants to explore personal and collective experiences and feelings with trauma surrounding identity, systemic oppression, and the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians. Click for more information on timing, and to sign up.
Free Zoom Support Group (Source:https://www.capycounseling.com/)
The host of this grief space, Allie Fridstein, is a licensed mental health counselor in Columbus, OH, USA who specializes in existential therapy and authenticity work. That being said, this is not a formal therapy group but rather a support group for those who want community in sharing and holding their collective grief.
All adults are welcome. As humans, we can empathize with the pain we are collectively suffering together. The grief we feel for our Jewish, Congolese, Sudanese, and Lebanese siblings shall be honored here too. If you are looking for a space to unpack your collective grief, you belong and are welcome here.
This space will be available via Zoom on Mondays from 8-9pm EST (5-6pm PST), RSVP not required. SIGN UP.
Mental Health Guidebook (Source: https://maristan.org/)
Maristan has created a Mental Health Guidebook for those concerned about Palestine. Authored by members of the Stanford Muslim Mental Health & Islamic Psychology Lab, it delves into the multiple layers of trauma experienced by both generations of Palestinians and Muslims currently witnessing the unfolding tragedies. Included in the guidebook are resources to take action, educational materials, and recommendations for safeguarding your mental health.
Disclaimer:
This post provides valuable information and resources based on knowledge available up to its publication date. It is not exhaustive and may not include all possible resources. Users should conduct their own research for the most up-to-date and specialized information. The absence of a specific resource does not reflect its quality or relevance. While Raksha staff have aimed for accuracy, they are not responsible for omissions or changes. This post is a starting point, not the definitive source of information.