After viewing so many videos of black men and women dying at the hands of police officers, I have come to the conclusion that it can be detrimental to your health. Have you experienced confusion, nausea, headaches, nervousness, moodiness, anger, sadness and/or fear after watching these videos? I don’t know about you, but I have.

Because of this, I felt compelled to research affirmations for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). According to the Mayo Clinic, PTSD is a mental health condition that’s triggered by a terrifying event — either experiencing it or witnessing it. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event. Although my symptoms aren’t as severe as those described, I believe that people of color are experiencing something similar to PTSD. Whatever it is, I know that it leaves you yearning for peace.

I’m not an expert at writing affirmations, but I hope that my affirmation will grant you some relief and help you on your quest to healing:

Because I am alive and well,

I close my eyes and take a deep breath

I feel how it is to hold my breath for a second

As I open my eyes,

I breathe out releasing anxiety

I let go of the centered ache in my chest

With each breath,

I continue to breathe knowing that I have the ability to calm myself

As I breathe in and out,

I release worry and fear

I release nervous energy surrounding uncertainties

I release the terrors of death

Clearing the way for memories as they should be

I am alive and well

I am breathing 

I am calm

I am brave

I am healed

I am resilient

I am free.