When we see social injustices in the news, it can impact how we show up at work. How can we make it through a workday when our minds are cluttered with anxiety, sadness, or grief? How can we show up at work with a broken heart?

• First, be patient with the healing process. Whatever you’re feeling, it’s important to acknowledge and sit with those emotions. It isn’t wrong that you’re hurting.
• When you feel overwhelmed with emotion, give yourself space to decompress. This might look like going for a short walk outside to clear your head, taking a day off to rest, or blocking time on your calendar for a mental break.
• Connect with community both in and outside of your organization. Some organizations have employee resource groups (ERGs) where you can connect with members of your community, discuss what you’re going through, and offer one another resources and daily support. Another option is to simply Google “[identity] support group in [city]” to find groups you can try out in your area.
• Disclose strategically to your manager and peers. Consider the corporate culture in which you’re embedded before disclosing your feelings to your boss or coworkers. If your company is unlikely to respond to your heartbreak with a level of understanding, it may be best to commit to seeking counsel outside of work. If you feel safe speaking up and believe that doing so may help facilitate your healing, it’s probably okay to move forward.
• Don’t treat work like therapy. Even if you choose to disclose, it’s important to have some separation between your personal and professional worlds. Think of work as a place where you develop skills, practice leadership, network, and grow professionally. Let is be a constant in your life during this difficult time. But don’t let it be everything. Venture outside the office to find joy, comfort, hobbies, friends, and other things you need.