After actions and Follow Up…
Coming back from an action you might experience some of the following if you have gone through or witnessed very disturbing events.
- Re-experiencing the events (dreams/nightmares, obsessions, intrusive memories, flashbacks, etc);
- Avoidance (amnesia, substance abuse, self-isolation, etc);
- Increased arousal (insomnia, irritability/outbursts, difficulty concentrating, etc).
These effects are not signs of insanity. You are not alone in experiencing them. Post Traumatic Stress is a common reaction to threatening experiences.
The best known means for dealing with post traumatic stress include:
- Getting to a place that feels safe, and surround yourself with people with whom you are comfortable;
- "Processing" the experience, especially by telling the story or otherwise expressing the emotions surrounding the events which led up to your stress reaction.
Normally these signs disappear naturally after 4-6 weeks. Take your time, be gently to yourself, accept support.
Give us a ring on the mobile on 0044 (0) 796 240 6940 or email us:
Activist-Trauma at the Climate Camp
24h phoneline: 079 6240 6940 during the camp and some time afterwards
We are a small group of volunteers offering information and support for activists.
If you or your friends have experienced or witnessed police violence (or violence from anyone else), if you have been arrested, if what happens brings up old memories or you feel wobbly after an action, you might like to talk to us. All information will be treated confidentially.
We are covering the following areas:
- Information about post-traumatic stress
- How to help yourself / how to help your friends
- Individual support and group debriefings
- Contacts and information for additional support
We offer:
- Daily workshops about post traumatic stress: What is it?, What signs and symptoms to look out for? How to deal with it? For location and time ask at the info points.
- A comfortable space where you can de-stress, access info and people to talk to. For location ask at the info points
- Facilitation of group debriefings. Phone or drop in to arrange.
- 24h phone helpline during the camp and some time afterwards.
- a charity dedicated to trauma care, offers a free professional helpline Mon -Fri from 10-16h (www.traumatic-stress.freeserve.co.uk) ASSIST Helpline : 0044 (0) 1788 560 800
More info:
our Downloads section
