There's a Human Being Behind Every Role
A personal narrative about the catastrophic climate disaster in southern Brazil and the importance of mental health
This is a message with a difficult story behind it. I must say something more than a discrete LinkedIn message about climate change's impact on people's lives. This text is about pain and self-care. Again, I won't explain the situation in Rio Grande do Sul. Some links at the end of this text can help you understand much better than I can. If you can take anything from this text, remember that everyone around you is human, not a role. It is true for your manager, too. Like you, people have feelings, families, and friends. All of them face difficult moments at work and in their personal lives. Be empathetic.
Cultivating and taking care of your mental health, developing resilience, and focusing on what you can change are essential for having a fulfilling life and enduring challenging moments.
As a consequence of this catastrophe, I took a sick leave around two weeks ago. As a manager, I can't support people when I'm broken. It was a lesson I learned the hard way. Last year, I had a burnout. I was overloaded. The collateral effects of a war that indirectly affected my beloved ones were the last drop of something I couldn't manage anymore. Back then, I didn't take care of myself when I should have. I thought that work would help me. It was already too heavy. I was wrong, and I broke down. Dealing with complex challenges in every aspect of my life was just impossible.
A few months later, here I am. Now, a climate disaster has washed my memories away and devastated the people I love. I'm not gaúcha (people born in Rio Grande do Sul), but I lived almost my entire adult life in Porto Alegre, south of Brazil. The place I called home for over 20 years has been facing an unbelievable challenge since the end of April. Nature decided to warn us of its power and how insignificant we are in this world.
When a disaster happens, if you're lucky, it happens far away from you. After a few days or weeks, when it stops creating buzz in the media, you forget. It's how your brain protects you. Otherwise, it is too much. You usually can't measure or understand people's pain during such situations.
I'm a Brazilian living in Berlin. I'm safe and not experiencing the everyday life hundreds of thousands of people face there. Many people are still in survival mode. I'm living the grief of feeling helpless. I know the buildings, the streets, parks, and avenues which are/were underwater. Two years ago, I was there walking around places I just don’t recognize anymore. A few weeks ago, I would fall apart whenever I saw a picture or video of the floods, even though I couldn't imagine the pain or the powerless and hopeless feeling that might have taken over the people who live there.
Before I could put some of my pieces together, my last trigger was an internal note in my company that came from my colleagues in Brazil. It was the reason behind my sick leave. I couldn't hold on, I couldn’t stop crying and paused before breaking into too many pieces. I fully recognize my privilege in having this option.
The pain is still here, but I'm better, and I can live without crying all day long. I'm strong enough to write about it. What I can do from here besides providing some financial support is to raise awareness, allowing people's voices to go as far as possible. You can do the same.
Apart from that, I want to remind you to take care of yourself. You can't put your mental health aside. And don't think it can be threatened only in a situation like this. A lot of small things slowly take over you and can lead to burnout. No matter what challenges you're facing. Sometimes, it is just too much, and you need time to recover. Please take it and respect yourself. Do it for yourself and for the ones you love. You need to be strong and develop resilience to be able to help.
And don't forget about the environment. This time it was Brazil's turn, but no one knows where the next climate disaster will happen. If you don't do something, it won't stop. Be the change you want to see.
Do You Want to Help?
Eldorado do Sul is one of the most impacted cities, with 98% of its territory affected by water. Last I saw, 75% of the population was homeless. Half of its territory is still underwater, but inhabitants have already started cleaning what is left.
If you want to help people from this city directly, Juliana Horowitz is a personal friend of mine and someone I fully trust. She is working on an initiative to help people there. The picture that illustrates today's newsletter comes from this group. If you want to know more, you can contact her directly on Instagram.
Information About the Floods
Content Warning: The links below contain images and videos of tragedy and destruction that may be distressing or triggering to some individuals. Viewer discretion is advised.
The overwhelming scale of loss in Brazil's floods by The Guardian. This article summarizes the most devastating floods in Brazilian history.
Waterborne disease outbreak after Brazil floods kills four by BBC. The water level is still very high in some rivers. It has been almost one month since the calamity started. Now, people are dealing with waterborne diseases.
Brazil floods displace hundreds of thousands [Video] by DW. This video provides a brief idea of the problem. The damage will cost billions to repair.
I didn’t want to skip Today’s newsletter, but it is a moment I can’t only think about career and just be quiet. This space is also a bit of myself and I see it as an opportunity to share some love and awareness.
See you next time 👋
Thanks for sharing Dani 🙏❤️