Activism & Mental Health

One aspect of activism that often gets over looked is personal well-being and mental health. Activist, by nature, are often sensitive individuals. They have yet to become desensitized to the world around them and as such often become involved to effect a change upon society and/or the world around them. In alot of ways, there is something therapeutic about the empowerment that comes from assuming a more assiduous role in ones own existence rather than that of depressive compliance. All to often people assume that their voice does not matter and they can not effect a change.

However rewarding activism is, no one can say it is a stress-free practice.  All to often activist devote themselves so much to the cause or those around them, that they neglect taking the time and energy to care for themselves as they should.  Compound this with a multitude of ever-changing stressful scenarios, relationship concerns, & often shaky financial situations.  This all stews together and suddenly issues can arise such as burn-out, anxiety based issues, & depression.  Left unchecked, these can progress into serious and life-long issues.

There are a number of helpful measures to take to ensure longevity as well as good stress managing skill for when difficult situations do arise.  

• Be sure to always stay abreast of your current mental affairs with introspective analysis from time to time.  Some activities to help facilitate this practice include yoga, meditation, and journaling.  
• Avoid the uses of addictive substances like tobacco & alcohol and opt for other methods of unwinding.  
• Pay attention to your nutritional concerns and make sure you are getting enough to eat but also not over-eating due to stress.  
• One of the best things you can do for yourself is to develop a good level of communication with a group of people or someone who is close to you.  Having a person who understands how to be a good listener is something to be thankful for.  

Of course, it is in good interest to suggest reaching out to a professorial when dealing with issues that start to effect your day to day life or if you are dealing with self-destructive tendencies or suicidal thoughts.

I'd strongly recommended individuals to take a look at these other resources and really take to heart how essential this topic is.

Activist Trauma .Net - A great site for information on activist mental health with a special focus in regards to post traumatic incidents.

What Sustains Us? What Stops Us? - A nice little zine on activist mental health 

Grassroots Gardening - Book-  It seems slightly off topic but I found this book to be super informative about more abstract aspects of issues that arise as an activist.