Peace & Justice
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash.
We are heartbroken and outraged by the recent killing of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old man and fellow healthcare professional, who was fatally shot by an ICE agent in Minneapolis.
We say his name. We grieve his loss. And we unequivocally condemn this violence.
This is not an isolated event—it’s part of a system that continues to harm and endanger historically marginalized communities. We stand in solidarity with all those demanding justice and accountability.
Mental Health, Care, and Staying Connected.
When there is conflict unfolding in our state, many people are holding a lot at once—concern, anger, fear, grief, and a deep desire for steadiness. Wanting peace while staying connected to what’s happening is not a contradiction. It’s a very human response to living in uncertain times.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, tired, distracted, or emotionally full, you are not alone—and you are not doing anything wrong.
At our core, we believe mental health care can be both grounding and justice-oriented. Peace does not require disengaging from the world. It invites us to stay connected—to ourselves, to one another, and to our shared humanity—without burning out.
Rethinking What Peace Can Look Like
Peace is often framed as calm, quiet, or emotional distance. But for many people, peace looks more like steadiness: the ability to feel what’s real while remaining anchored.
Feeling activated, sad, or angry in moments like this doesn’t mean you’re failing at self-care. It often means you are paying attention. Mental peace isn’t about avoiding reality—it’s about staying rooted enough to move through it with care.
Releasing the Pressure to Hold Everything Together
Many of us have learned that strength means pushing through, staying composed, or carrying more than our share. Over time, this belief can create isolation and exhaustion—especially during moments of collective stress.
You are not meant to:
Carry everything on your own
Stay constantly informed at the expense of your well-being
Be emotionally untouched by real harm or uncertainty
Allowing yourself to be impacted does not mean you are weak. It means you are human. Mental peace often begins when we give ourselves permission to pause, to feel, and to reach for support.
Staying Engaged Without Burning Out
Caring deeply about what’s happening does not require constant exposure to news or social media. In fact, selective engagement can help protect your nervous system and preserve your capacity to care over time.
This may look like:
Choosing a few trusted sources rather than scrolling endlessly
Setting boundaries around when and how you take in information
Allowing yourself breaks without guilt
Rest is not disengagement. It is part of sustaining connection and care. Rest is resistance.
Remembering We Don’t Regulate Alone
Healing and regulation happen in relationship. Whether through trusted people, community spaces, or professional support, connection helps us feel steadier and less alone—especially during times of uncertainty.
You don’t need to have everything figured out to reach out. Being in relationship is enough.
A Moment to Ground
If things feel heavy right now, you might try this simple pause:
Take a slow breath in.
Let your shoulders soften as you breathe out.
Notice one thing in your body that feels supported—your feet on the floor, your back against a chair, or your breath moving gently in and out.
Even a few seconds of noticing can help create a bit more space.
A Gentle Closing
You are allowed to want peace and justice.
You are allowed to rest and stay engaged.
You are allowed to care for your mental health without becoming silent.
In moments like these, peace isn’t about shrinking or stepping away. It’s about staying rooted, supported, and human—together.
About the Author
After spending years in a local community mental health setting and group practice in leadership positions, Tina D. Shah (PsyD, LP) decided to start Collaboration for Psychological Wellness, LLC to expand access and reduce barriers to services.