I never thought I'd be posting about mitigating PTS and generalized anxiety symptoms while marching in large crowds to redress grievances against a fascist dictator, but here we are.
Great advice! Listen to your body, somatic feedback is underneath the conscious mind. Honor and talk to your body, like your breathing exercises. Also, be aware of your environment, as you suggest before the event by scouting, and during the event by just staying aware. Don't be shy about asking for help if needed; sometimes just hearing another voice can be comforting.
Stay peaceful!
“When it gets down to having to use violence, then you are playing the system’s game. The establishment will irritate you – pull your beard, flick your face – to make you fight. Because once they’ve got you violent, then they know how to handle you. The only thing they don’t know how to handle is non-violence and humor.”
I'll be out, and probably with a young friend who is terrified because she is Hispanic. She was adopted 20 years ago by an American couple and is an American citizen, but is so afraid that she will be taken away because of her looks. It takes great courage to place the greater good of our nation above one's personal fears. I'll wing up a prayer for you to be able to experience a sense of calm, Allison.
Allison I also suffer from PTSD and anxiety. I talk myself out of going a lot of places so I know how hard it is. My counsellor told me long ago to do this. On my way (assume I am driving) I say out loud “I am okay, nothing is hurting me. I am okay” I repeat this over and over. It calms my brain and according to her helps reprogram my brain. If you can’t say it out loud just repeat it in your thoughts Try it it helps, hope it helps you. Stay safe 💜
Excellent advice. I'll be in MO protesting. I'd like to add, as you protest keep an eye out for any children, disabled protestors and elderly in the group as they may be jostled, or may need help. Watch out for one another. Our Republican governor just activated the National Guard "just in case". What a wienie and a Trump wannabe.
I have frequently mused about St Louis and St Louis County "leaving" MO and joining Illinois. To watch the people of MO repeatedly vote for Republicans who do nothing for the state, and who embarrass us is painful.
I’m unable to go as I’m 76 with a very bad knee, and homeless, living in a motel with my son. We have no car and not much money, so it’s difficult for us to attend. Please stay safe and protest peacefully. Don’t engage with agitators as there will probably be plenty. I’ll be thinking of and praying for each and every one of you true blue patriots. Although I won’t be there in person, I’ll definitely be there in spirit with all my Resister sisters and brothers. No Kings in America! 💙🙏✊
Since I read the county swat team will be on the roofs, and I know the sheriff himself is maga, I don’t think my PTSD will handle seeing those guns near us. If I didn’t know the sheriff was maga, I would have talked myself into believing they are protecting us. Now I see it as intimidation. Very small city in PA.
The MAGA descent into authoritarianism is on full display. We’re watching the death of lawful dissent in real time. Their authoritarian playbook demands it. This administration is an authoritarian regime. When will our elected leaders do something to hold Trump and his entire administration accountable?
No kings, no dictators. June 14. We must resist Trump and GOP policy.
This Saturday we say NO to authoritarianism. As Trump throws his wannabe dictator parade, we will be in the streets for the NO Kings rally. I'll be there wearing this "Don't blame, I voted for her" shirt 👇
I so completely understand. I developed Complex PTSD from working as a paramedic and a nurse as well as being robbed with a shotgun pointed at my head as well as a few other things. I have been working with a trauma specialist for years now. While I have learned tools to help minimize and address when the anxiety and depression gets out of control, it still limits what I can do and where I can go without exacerbating the symptoms. I did make myself go to two protests but I was terrified the whole time I was there and needed a lot of recovery time after them. I could not have gone alone, I don't think. The upcoming protest I want to go to in support of other resisters and take a stand for our democracy but the anxiety I am getting around going will likely prevent me from attending. I feel guilty about not attending the protests. But I also know that I have to take care of myself too. I am thankful to all those who are able to protest and help stand up for people like myself who can't be there, for all those that evil man is hurting each and every day, and the fear the majority of Americans feel each day. Thank you for the suggestions you included to help those that are able to move past their fear and anxiety and protest. Thanks to everyone for standing up for our democracy.
Please don't feel guilty about not attending. You do have to take care of yourself first and foremost. I'll be there, not anxious, and I will carry your intention with me on Saturday.
There are very effective, evidence-based mind-body techniques from the field of energy psychology for treating PTSD and anxiety. As a trauma specialist, I use them every day. You can learn a variety of simple (but still powerful) self-help versions called Resources for Resilience at https://r4r.energypsych.org.
Great writing. Thanks for your honest vulnerability, too. That took courage.
Great advice! Listen to your body, somatic feedback is underneath the conscious mind. Honor and talk to your body, like your breathing exercises. Also, be aware of your environment, as you suggest before the event by scouting, and during the event by just staying aware. Don't be shy about asking for help if needed; sometimes just hearing another voice can be comforting.
Stay peaceful!
“When it gets down to having to use violence, then you are playing the system’s game. The establishment will irritate you – pull your beard, flick your face – to make you fight. Because once they’ve got you violent, then they know how to handle you. The only thing they don’t know how to handle is non-violence and humor.”
― John Lennon
I'll be out, and probably with a young friend who is terrified because she is Hispanic. She was adopted 20 years ago by an American couple and is an American citizen, but is so afraid that she will be taken away because of her looks. It takes great courage to place the greater good of our nation above one's personal fears. I'll wing up a prayer for you to be able to experience a sense of calm, Allison.
🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💙💙💙💙💙
Allison I also suffer from PTSD and anxiety. I talk myself out of going a lot of places so I know how hard it is. My counsellor told me long ago to do this. On my way (assume I am driving) I say out loud “I am okay, nothing is hurting me. I am okay” I repeat this over and over. It calms my brain and according to her helps reprogram my brain. If you can’t say it out loud just repeat it in your thoughts Try it it helps, hope it helps you. Stay safe 💜
Excellent advice. I'll be in MO protesting. I'd like to add, as you protest keep an eye out for any children, disabled protestors and elderly in the group as they may be jostled, or may need help. Watch out for one another. Our Republican governor just activated the National Guard "just in case". What a wienie and a Trump wannabe.
Thank you for confirming my opinion of MO's governor. I live across the river and watch the goings on in MO morning and night, on the news.
I have frequently mused about St Louis and St Louis County "leaving" MO and joining Illinois. To watch the people of MO repeatedly vote for Republicans who do nothing for the state, and who embarrass us is painful.
I’m unable to go as I’m 76 with a very bad knee, and homeless, living in a motel with my son. We have no car and not much money, so it’s difficult for us to attend. Please stay safe and protest peacefully. Don’t engage with agitators as there will probably be plenty. I’ll be thinking of and praying for each and every one of you true blue patriots. Although I won’t be there in person, I’ll definitely be there in spirit with all my Resister sisters and brothers. No Kings in America! 💙🙏✊
🤜🤛🙏🙏🙏🙏
Thank you, Darlene! Sending my love 🫶
Great info. So sorry you suffer this. Thank you for sharing this very valuable information. I'll share it too.
Since I read the county swat team will be on the roofs, and I know the sheriff himself is maga, I don’t think my PTSD will handle seeing those guns near us. If I didn’t know the sheriff was maga, I would have talked myself into believing they are protecting us. Now I see it as intimidation. Very small city in PA.
Great tips. I will be in Duluth, MN with my 2 sisters on Saturday! Stay safe everyone. Peace.
Thank you! I will be in Omaha on Saturday.
The MAGA descent into authoritarianism is on full display. We’re watching the death of lawful dissent in real time. Their authoritarian playbook demands it. This administration is an authoritarian regime. When will our elected leaders do something to hold Trump and his entire administration accountable?
No kings, no dictators. June 14. We must resist Trump and GOP policy.
This Saturday we say NO to authoritarianism. As Trump throws his wannabe dictator parade, we will be in the streets for the NO Kings rally. I'll be there wearing this "Don't blame, I voted for her" shirt 👇
https://libtees.dashery.com/products/74030236-dont-blame-me-i-voted-for-harris
I was either going to Lincoln or Omaha. Do you know about the parade for the Democrats who won? Do you know if there is a separate No Kings rally?
Thank you for sharing. So much to be afraid of these days. So little over which we have control.
Excellent advice. There are many of us, and these are great strategies. Thank you for the reminders.
Thank you 🙏
I so completely understand. I developed Complex PTSD from working as a paramedic and a nurse as well as being robbed with a shotgun pointed at my head as well as a few other things. I have been working with a trauma specialist for years now. While I have learned tools to help minimize and address when the anxiety and depression gets out of control, it still limits what I can do and where I can go without exacerbating the symptoms. I did make myself go to two protests but I was terrified the whole time I was there and needed a lot of recovery time after them. I could not have gone alone, I don't think. The upcoming protest I want to go to in support of other resisters and take a stand for our democracy but the anxiety I am getting around going will likely prevent me from attending. I feel guilty about not attending the protests. But I also know that I have to take care of myself too. I am thankful to all those who are able to protest and help stand up for people like myself who can't be there, for all those that evil man is hurting each and every day, and the fear the majority of Americans feel each day. Thank you for the suggestions you included to help those that are able to move past their fear and anxiety and protest. Thanks to everyone for standing up for our democracy.
Please don't feel guilty about not attending. You do have to take care of yourself first and foremost. I'll be there, not anxious, and I will carry your intention with me on Saturday.
Thank you for such a compassionate and kind reply. It is greatly appreciated.
There are very effective, evidence-based mind-body techniques from the field of energy psychology for treating PTSD and anxiety. As a trauma specialist, I use them every day. You can learn a variety of simple (but still powerful) self-help versions called Resources for Resilience at https://r4r.energypsych.org.
Thanks for the tips! I am uncomfortable in crowds and your advice is useful for everyone!!!