4 Ways Abolitionists Save Themselves

This post is inspired by Change.org reader, activist, and abolitionist Anemone Cerridwen, who has been an active member of the End Human Trafficking community and recently brought up this important issue in a comment. 

As activists and abolitionists, we are all about saving other people.  But the truth is, sometimes we need to take a break from that and spend a few moments saving ourselves.  Here's a quick guide to secondary trauma and self-care for activists and abolitionists.

What is secondary trauma?

In non-medical terms, secondary trauma is one way people who work with survivors of trauma are affected by the people they meet and the stories they hear.  Some people who can be affected by secondary trauma include doctors, lawyers, social workers, therapists, advocates, and any other person who works closely with individuals who have had traumatic experiences.  When we hear or read traumatic stories or see traumatic images, our brains and bodies process that trauma and it affects our health.  Therefore, people who are exposed to trauma on a regular basis (such as the professionals mentioned above) and people like activists who often read articles and write letters (like the ones on this blog) need to take care of themselves to process the trauma they experience in healthy ways.  Practicing self-care helps us be better advocates. 

What are some good self-care techniques for abolitionists?       

I have exactly as many medical degrees as Paris Hilton, but here are some of the techniques I've employed over the years that have worked for me.

1. Love men.  When you spend your days reading and thinking about child sex tourism, forced prostitution, rape, and abuse, it's really easy to start hating men (sometimes, even when you are a man).  When I first began working an an anti-trafficking non-profit, I was so paranoid about men.  I saw pedophiles on the bus and pimps in front of me at the grocery store.  I was driving myself nuts!  Then I really took a step back and began focusing on all the great men I know and love in my life.  Most men are not human traffickers or rapists or even buyers of prostitution.  So take some time to really love the men in your life and think about men who you respect.  It will help you have a healthier outlook.

2. Make an activism calendar. Sometimes when we learn about what's really happening to the millions of slaves in the world today, our immediate reaction is to do everything possible right away- watch every video, go to every meeting, sign every petition, etc.  That's a great way to burn yourself out as soon as you start.  Instead, try making an activism calendar with one or two practical goals a week.  Maybe in the first week you'll complete five Change.org actions and watch one human trafficking film.  If it feels slow, you can always add more, but a calendar can give you a firm plan and help you from feeling overwhelmed. 

3. Dance around your living room with a bucket on your head. Or rent a comedy movie or teach your dog to bark your name or weave an orange felt afro.  Do something silly, ridiculous, and completely unrelated to human trafficking.  I take improv comedy classes at a local theater.  It's so great to just goof off and act out scenes about aliens who fuel their spaceships with farts or janitors who sing opera in Hungarian.  You need some time off to laugh and refuel.  Sometimes, we begin to take the whole world as seriously as we take our issue.  And there are parts the world that are just downright goofy!

4. Recognize your limits.  Unless Hogwarts is a real place and you're Harry Potter's new BFF, you have some basic human limitations.  Ashton Kutcher didn't respond to your tweet about speaking at your local event?  Only half the expected people showed up to your rainy fundraiser?  It's ok.  Ending slavery is a huge undertaking, and it's one that's going to take everyone working together.  You can't do it alone, and you shouldn't try.  Instead of trying to play Atlas, invite some friends to join you in your abolitionist activities.

Here are some more related thoughts on this topic.  There are lots of ways to take care of yourself, but I've found the most important tip is to listen to your mind/body when it says you need a break.  You know those days when you think, "If I read one more devastating, cruel, dehumanizing....".  It's important to take a break, refresh your energy, and come back healthy and ready to be an advocate.  

After all, there are 27 million slaves in the world today, and they need you at the top of your game to help them be free. 

Image from insidedivorce.com