How to Cope with DEI Funding Cuts

Almost four years ago, I wrote an article titled Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The Basics, addressing the relevant and meaningful topic of DEI following the protests sparked by the tragic deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery. While the conversation about systemic racism was crucial at the time, it remains just as relevant today, especially as we now face the challenging reality of DEI funding cuts.

In therapy, my role is to understand the lived experience of whoever walks through my door, which I consider a great privilege. As a psychologist who predominately works with Black, Indigenous, People of Color* (BIPOC), I can’t not notice this change and acknowledge that it has and will have a significant impact on those that I work with so closely. This article aims to provide support to anyone who is affected by this policy change.

If you are affected, know that you are not alone. It’s helpful to recognize how you are impacted and explore effective strategies for coping. Below are common reactions and strategies to help you navigate through these challenging times.

Not Surprised

Those who have been involved in DEI work for a long time are probably not surprised or shocked by the recent policy shift. The pendulum swings from one extreme to the other and sometimes without warning. You may be involved in proactive steps within your organization to find ways to pivot from here, which might mean putting in longer hours and becoming so busy that you neglect to check in with yourself. In my work with BIPOC clients in therapy, it’s common to see symptoms minimized or masked while still functioning at a high level at work. If you are someone who tends to internalize your emotions and overwork yourself, watch out for physical symptoms of stress, such as headaches, tension in your neck or shoulders, or eye twitching to name a few. Take time to slow down and rest where you can. Dedicating just 10 minutes a day to relaxation exercises can be immensely beneficial for your overall wellbeing.

Anger

Some may feel angry by the fact that this change happened within the first two weeks of the new administration taking office. Take time to identify how you need to process your anger to find some relief. If you get energized from providing support and doing advocacy work, then go for it! However, be mindful of the difference between feeling energized and being activated. While activation can make you feel more productive or alert, it might also trigger physical symptoms (like rapid heart rate, difficulty breathing, or sweating) or emotional symptoms (such as panic, anger or sadness). If you feel activated, seek other outlets to process, such as acknowledging your feelings, going for a walk, or talking to others. For more on this topic, read: Why You Should Embrace Your Anger.

Burnout

You may feel tired or burnt out and have more work to do with fewer resources. You might even feel guilty if you’ve kept your job while a colleague didn’t. If this is the case, it’s important to prioritize rest where you can. Maybe this means taking a day off or allowing yourself a weekend to do nothing. I frequently work with clients who say they intend to rest but end up staying busy. If you’re planning to rest, resist the urge to offer support to others, avoid social media, don’t host a zoom healing circle and don’t say yes to any new commitments. Put your phone on ‘do not disturb’ and give yourself permission to truly rest. If an entire weekend isn’t feasible right now, then consider starting at just one hour for yourself. For more strategies and recommendations, read: From Burnout to Balance.

Fear

There may be a real sense of fear about your department losing funding or about losing your job altogether. Or even worse, you may have already lost your job. Given the current sociopolitical climate, there may be limited DEI positions available. DEI work may be very meaningful to you, and the reality of losing it can feel quite frightening. It’s important to acknowledge and honor those feelings of loss. Consider writing down your fears and then throw the paper away to release them. It might also help to update your resume, conduct a job search, or attend a networking event. If you find it difficult to motivate yourself, try some of the other coping strategies mentioned earlier before diving into a job search.

Conclusion

You may experience some, none, or all these feelings. Be honest with yourself about what you need and ask for help where you can. Many of my BIPOC clients tend to give more support than they feel comfortable asking for in return. If you’re struggling with intense feelings of stress and anxiety, or feeling overwhelmed about the loss of DEI funding, therapy could be a helpful step for you.

At Therapy Changes, we provide a safe space to process your emotions and help you regain a sense of balance. You and your therapist will work together to develop coping strategies that are tailor-made for you. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with a talented member of our team. You don’t have to go through this alone – we’re here for you.

* The focus of this article was the BIPOC community because that is the community I serve most. However, I want to acknowledge that diversity is all the ways in which people differ from one another, such as race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, socioeconomic status, veteran status, education, marital status, language, age, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, mental or physical ability, and learning styles, to name a few.

Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash