The reason we got involved in animal advocacy is because something about the animals' plight touched our hearts, drew our tears and/or evoked our anger. However, to be an effective advocate, we must channel those tears and rage in a calm, collected manner in order to reach as many people as possible. No one wants to deal with a deranged lunatic in their face! In order for us not to inadvertently slip into high intensity emotion-mode, we must ensure that we nurture ourselves in order to best advocate change for the precious creatures we speak on behalf of.
As a budding psychologist, I've done a bit of research on how to stay mentally healthy despite intense stress (animal advocacy, as you may have found, is rewarding but highly stressful!) Community building has been shown as a core means by which we can stay mentally healthy. The primary mode in which we can care for each other is to stick together and make our AFA community strong and connected. The bi-monthly meetings are a wonderful place to start to enjoy fellowship, get down to business, and connect with people just like you who are making a difference.
As the circus comes to town, we have a huge task on our plate. Thousands of people to inform, protesting events to coordinate, schedules to work around, and most importantly, precious creatures to protect. We also have the task of protecting each other from the emotional toll this event will take on us. And a toll it will take, if it hasn't already! I know I have already lost nights of sleep because the images of beautiful elephants and graceful tigers being whipped and beaten haunt my heart. I can be broken, OR I can lean on you, my fellow activists, to keep me strong and remind me what this is all about. And you do every day...and for that, I am eternally grateful!
So, let us all lean on and hold on to each other to make sure we remain healthy advocates. The circus is one of many challenging times for us where perhaps we may consider a regroup session right after each event to share tears and anger before they consume and debilitate us as well as detract us from our central purpose of speaking for those who can't.
More to come from your resident psychologist-in-training!
Caring for the animals and the humans that protect them, Lauren
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I consider you a God-send, Lauren. This is something that we need to be oh so aware of. I have had many meltdowns as a result of my anger and frustration with animal rights. I hope I'm not overstepping boundaries here, but I think many of us are so passionate about animal rights because we can relate to the pain of these animals who are innocent, helpless, and have no voice. That describes my childhood to a "T," as in Timothy (haha). I'm working through it now and know that my activism is a great way to channel that, as Ernest mentioned.
We refer to you, Resident Psychologist-in-Training, for all your advice!!! ;)
Lauren, thx so much for taking care of us. : ) You are correct when you write that activism is a great way to channel your anger, frustration, and hopelessness about animal suffering. Where would I be without animal rights? I look forward to more of your posts on this subject.
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