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.
AuDHD here with GAD...watched this video for this very reason. I haven't gone to past marches bc I knew I would be uncomfortable (to say the least) but I feel compelled to attend this one. This was helpful.
Yeah Sharon, I like to drive myself so I know that I can leave when I want. The people have been very nice and helpful at my local protests. Go expecting it to be ☺️. You will be fine.
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 for this advice. It also cements the fact that we are not alone and we have options to handle our anxiety and fears. As another SA survivor, it is a very supportive message for me to hear.
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.
For people that can't attend in person for whatever reason, consider driving by and honking. My sister is mobility-limited and I mentioned this option to her and she plans to give the protesters a boost by honking like crazy when she goes by (I can't wait to hear how many times she drives by)! We all love that when people honk in support and it's fun to be the honker as the crowd cheers and claps as you go by (something I always do coming and going to a protest).
These are great, Allison! My issues are more centered about walking at a pace that's way slower than what's comfortable for me, plus lots of standing and waiting for cross traffic. Both of these cause low back pain for me. So what we often do is take a rest break on a bench, and then walk along the side of the march at my comfortable walking rate to the front, then when my back hurts again, rinse and repeat.
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.
AuDHD here with GAD...watched this video for this very reason. I haven't gone to past marches bc I knew I would be uncomfortable (to say the least) but I feel compelled to attend this one. This was helpful.
AuDHD here too. I had finally worked up the nerve to attend the large event in DC, but then I found a smaller event closer to my house.
Take care of yourself out there everyone!
Yeah Sharon, I like to drive myself so I know that I can leave when I want. The people have been very nice and helpful at my local protests. Go expecting it to be ☺️. You will be fine.
Awesome tips. Thank you.
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/
Thanks so much Steve!
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.
Knitters unite!
the tapping works because you are tapping on acupressure points. great idea for calming the nervous system.
Thank you for your protesting even against this regime even while your body/mind say to run away❣️
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!!!
✨Thank you from another severely anxious person!✨EFT really does work.🩵
A Hero of Democracy, Allison Gill!
Thank you for this advice. It also cements the fact that we are not alone and we have options to handle our anxiety and fears. As another SA survivor, it is a very supportive message for me to hear.
B = Being
I = In
T = Total
C = Control of
H = Herself
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.
Great tips. Thanks Allison
For people that can't attend in person for whatever reason, consider driving by and honking. My sister is mobility-limited and I mentioned this option to her and she plans to give the protesters a boost by honking like crazy when she goes by (I can't wait to hear how many times she drives by)! We all love that when people honk in support and it's fun to be the honker as the crowd cheers and claps as you go by (something I always do coming and going to a protest).
This is a great idea. Between a chronic illness and a very angry back I can't walk or stand for long periods. But I can drive and honk my horn!
Every single tip Allison offers is super helpful! I'll return to this again in preparation for the protests. Thank you!!
These are great, Allison! My issues are more centered about walking at a pace that's way slower than what's comfortable for me, plus lots of standing and waiting for cross traffic. Both of these cause low back pain for me. So what we often do is take a rest break on a bench, and then walk along the side of the march at my comfortable walking rate to the front, then when my back hurts again, rinse and repeat.