These are important tips. And, as someone on the autism spectrum I'd also like to add that going to a protest, especially a large protest, is also challenging. I wear ear plugs because of the loud noises (talking, yelling, whistles, cow bells, cars honking) and I try to stand such that I'm not being touched, or crowded, by anyone else (these incidents are inadvertent, but do happen). Please be courteous towards the people around you and, if you want to make a lot of noise, maybe you can stand a little bit away from the group. I'd also like to remind people that some people attending are in wheelchairs, or have issues standing and walking. Again, be aware of who's around you and act accordingly.
Great tips, thanks Allison! I’ll be at the rally at the Capitol in Austin, my first political rally since rallying with pro-choice groups in the 1980s. I’m 64 and shaken to my core by what’s happening in America.
Thanks so much! In my small town the event is held in a rather confined area next to the river on one side and the county highway on another (no marching) and a few thousand folks are expected. I'm definitely having anxiety about feeling trapped. I'm planning to be on the outer fringe where I have an "escape" route off to the side if I feel the need as well as a plan to go decompress with my knitting at a local coffee house afterwards. It is comforting to know that those of us with PTSD and anxiety are not somehow "failing" the movement by feeling like we are not doing the maximum. We do what we can.
It my small TX town, we’ll gather in front of city hall. I’ll be dropped off and my ride will have cell phone on to pick me up at a designated spot if I can’t stay the whole scheduled time.
It’s so important to be able to tell my g-kids (if they ever ask me) that I didn’t just cynically bitch about Trump/his sycophants/goons….that I attended these protests, e-mailed senators, congresspeople. Maybe small insignificant in the total scheme of things. But I did something.
Thank you so much Allison. I really needed to hear that it's ok to leave if it gets too hard. I've never done that before. Never thought that was an option. I'm 64 and have always pushed through the anxiety Thea can't figure why I'm sick or a mental mess the next day. I hope you have a wonderful experience Saturday. Sending my love.
Thanks AG! Unfortunately I’m recovering from heart failure and a partial amputation so I’m sitting this one out. But I’ve got my Pirates For Democracy tee (“We Will Suffer No Kings”) and I’ll have friends there in my stead. Good grievances, everyone!
These are important tips. And, as someone on the autism spectrum I'd also like to add that going to a protest, especially a large protest, is also challenging. I wear ear plugs because of the loud noises (talking, yelling, whistles, cow bells, cars honking) and I try to stand such that I'm not being touched, or crowded, by anyone else (these incidents are inadvertent, but do happen). Please be courteous towards the people around you and, if you want to make a lot of noise, maybe you can stand a little bit away from the group. I'd also like to remind people that some people attending are in wheelchairs, or have issues standing and walking. Again, be aware of who's around you and act accordingly.
Agreed. Also on the spectrum. I've found the anti trumpers a bit more understanding about earbuds/headphones than many.
Awesome tips. Thank you.
the tapping works because you are tapping on acupressure points. great idea for calming the nervous system.
✨Thank you from another severely anxious person!✨EFT really does work.🩵
Great tips, thanks Allison! I’ll be at the rally at the Capitol in Austin, my first political rally since rallying with pro-choice groups in the 1980s. I’m 64 and shaken to my core by what’s happening in America.
I'll also be at the Austin rally. It's going to be fun, thousands marching down Congress Ave.
Hi Steve! I thought everyone was meeting at the Capitol - do you know where and at what time the march down Congress starts?
Hi Lisa! The schedule is to meet at the Capitol at 2:00 and march to Auditorium Shores. Rally there from 3 to 5:30. More info here: https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/839489/
Thank you for your protesting even against this regime even while your body/mind say to run away❣️
Great tips. Thanks Allison
Thanks so much! In my small town the event is held in a rather confined area next to the river on one side and the county highway on another (no marching) and a few thousand folks are expected. I'm definitely having anxiety about feeling trapped. I'm planning to be on the outer fringe where I have an "escape" route off to the side if I feel the need as well as a plan to go decompress with my knitting at a local coffee house afterwards. It is comforting to know that those of us with PTSD and anxiety are not somehow "failing" the movement by feeling like we are not doing the maximum. We do what we can.
Thank you.
It my small TX town, we’ll gather in front of city hall. I’ll be dropped off and my ride will have cell phone on to pick me up at a designated spot if I can’t stay the whole scheduled time.
It’s so important to be able to tell my g-kids (if they ever ask me) that I didn’t just cynically bitch about Trump/his sycophants/goons….that I attended these protests, e-mailed senators, congresspeople. Maybe small insignificant in the total scheme of things. But I did something.
Wearing yellow!!!
A Hero of Democracy, Allison Gill!
Thank you so much Allison. I really needed to hear that it's ok to leave if it gets too hard. I've never done that before. Never thought that was an option. I'm 64 and have always pushed through the anxiety Thea can't figure why I'm sick or a mental mess the next day. I hope you have a wonderful experience Saturday. Sending my love.
Great tips. Thank you.
I want to stress other important self-care. Sunscreen. Sunglasses. Hydration. Food.
If you can afford to? Bring something to donate to local food pantries or for those who need new/gently used clothes.
Thanks AG! Unfortunately I’m recovering from heart failure and a partial amputation so I’m sitting this one out. But I’ve got my Pirates For Democracy tee (“We Will Suffer No Kings”) and I’ll have friends there in my stead. Good grievances, everyone!
https://substack.com/@williamschwartz846372/note/c-166818920?r=c11h&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=notes-share-action
Every single tip Allison offers is super helpful! I'll return to this again in preparation for the protests. Thank you!!
Thank you for the advice, and will reStack ASAP 🙏
That yapping is from Star Trek next generation!