Counseling for Activists....

[rosie]

Is there such a thing as counseling for activists? I mean, we are dealing with really heavy mental and emotional investments in the whole of society and chances are we wont see the fruit of our efforts in finality. We'll be dead before we see the results of revolution. Society hates us. Even our own comrades sometimes go against us. Is there help available for those of us who are having a difficult time dealing with these feelings of helplessness?

[A.R.Amistad]

I go to an art therapist for my depression.

[ellipsis]

I know of no such service, but I am sure that there are many comrades who share you sentiment and would like to talk it out. I have found that the best way to cope with these feelings is to get active and meet inspiring/awesome/supportive comrades to work with and learn from.

[Jimmie Higgins]

I go to an art therapist for my depression.Do they ever try and psych 101 your politics? I guess what I'm asking in regards to the OP is why would you need special "activist counseling" as opposed to regular counseling?


I know of no such service, but I am sure that there are many comrades who share you sentiment and would like to talk it out. I have found that the best way to cope with these feelings is to get active and meet inspiring/awesome/supportive comrades to work with and learn from.
I agree. If someone is feeling demoralized about their activism, it's good to talk it out with other activists that you trust and know can give you some sound advice. If you are dealing with something deeper or persistent, then why not go to a regular therapist if you are able?

[Kayser_Soso]

Probably the most important thing to look out for is "burn-out". If you find yourself getting fed up, running out of ideas, etc., you may be in a burn-out phase. In this case you need to take a break and forget politics for a while. In my case most of what I am doing involves research and a ton of reading. At times, it gets incredibly boring to read about the same things in different books, sometimes reading them simultaneously. In this case you should pursue some personal interest for a while until you find your inspiration again.

It is far better to "take breaks" like this rather than get fed up with everything.

[rosie]

"It is far better to "take breaks" like this rather than get fed up with everything."
I agree. However, it may be more difficult to come back to an organization after a short break. How would one deal with, theoretically speaking, a certain lack of trust after taking a short break?

[ellipsis]

On the part of other members? If you explain "I'm burnt out, I need to clear my head" they will under stand.

[rosie]

Okay. Thanks!

[ellipsis]

Np, remember that we all have/do felt/feel what you are feeling.

[ellipsis]

P.s. I like take nature walks to clear my head, plus the excercise releases endorphins, which make you feel good.

[un_person]

There is a section about dealing with the stress and ways to cope in the book Recipies For Disaster from crimethinc.

[Pogue]

Just chill out, don't jeprodise non-political relationships for activism, etc. Take breaks when you need too, don't do it all at once, and most importantly, don't throw yourself into unwinnable and unrealistic campaigns.

[Pirate turtle the 11th]

Harden the fuck up and don't be a nerd.

[Jimmie Higgins]

Harden the fuck up and don't be a nerd.:rolleyes:

Ok coach. I'll walk-off the demoralization.

[Pogue]

Harden the fuck up and don't be a nerd.

I think she wants advice from actual activists joe.

[The Ungovernable Farce]

This (http://www.activist-trauma.net/en/links.html) and this (http://uproot.info/actionhandbook/trauma.htm) may be useful. The US activist trauma support page seems to be down, tho. As for worrying about people not trusting you if you take a break, what's the point of having comrades if they're not prepared to support you (or "show solidarity" in leftist-speak) if you're going through a shitty time? If you're honest about needing to take a break (I'd think just saying "I'm having some personal problems and need some time out to deal with them" should be enough), and don't just suddenly disappear with no explanation, I really can't see why anyone'd have a problem. As someone who does a bit of organising myself, I'm always grateful that anyone's prepared to do something as massively time-consuming and difficult as revolutionary work at the best of times, let alone when they're going through shit.
Best of luck.

[Pirate turtle the 11th]

I think she wants advice from actual activists joe.

Sorry but if you need counseling you should get it done properly, you can probably find some folk round the uni's wanting expirence in it.

[Decolonize The Left]

Harden the fuck up and don't be a nerd.

The is a verbal warning. This comment is totally unnecessary and unproductive. Please do not engage in this sort of behavior in the future.

- August