2006-02-07

Trauma

Big mobilisations are not only exciting, a chance to meet people from all over the world and to get some action, they can also turn out rather stressful.not only is there no end to the work that needs doing, also there is a good chance of facing repression in various forms.

paramedics, fireman, even police are aware of the psychological impacts of the stress and danger they put themselves into. they get information and support, debrief and are counselled.

a strong movement needs to face repression not only physically and organisatorial, but also psychological. emotional problems are not a sign of weekness, but a normal reaction of the mind to cope with experiences that go beyond the world of ?normal?.

People are burned out for weeks, drop out totally and suffer from all sorts of effects resulting from the experienced violence. there’s more to a demonstration being attacked or a convergence centre raided than a couple of bruises.

anxiety, depression, insomnia, lack of concetration are just some of the emotional symptoms people are suffering from. showing of bandages makes you some sort of hero, gives you streetfighter credibility. not being able to sleep, freezing at the sight of cops, panicking at the sound of helicpters doesn’t make you cool. Besides feeling bad, the fact that you are affected stigmatizes you. as weak. As crazy.

to be effective and strong as a movement we need to be aware of the danger we put ourselves in and face all consequences. people suffer from emotional distress, and it’s time we deal with it. not alone, not in privacy. as a movement in solidarity.

Out Of Action is a group concerned with psychological issues of activism. we want to provide information and support before, during and after the summit.

we will set up spaces where you can come and talk to us, do workshops or just chill out with a cup of tea.

if you are interested, mail to trauma-support@riseup.net or subscribe to our public mailing list at: traumasupport-subscribe@lists.riseup.net

Out Of Action Group

more infos on activist trauma:

http://www.activist-trauma.net

http://healingtrauma.pscap.org