Sometimes Everything Sucks: Looking After Your Mental Health as an Animal Activist

We’re not going to sugarcoat it, gang, sometimes being an animal activist can be really challenging, but you probably already know that. Some days you might find yourself wanting to scream, cry or give up altogether, and that’s okay.

It’s super important to remember to look after your own mental wellbeing when you’re doing this sort of work, so today we’re going to share some tips on how you can ensure you’re looking after your mental health as an animal activist.

1. Take Care of Yourself 🌸

Being an animal activist is like running a marathon. You need to fuel up, rest, and

stretch your activist muscles. That means self-care isn't just an option – it's a necessity. Find what soothes your soul: whether it's yoga, meditation, snuggling your doggo, or bingeing The Office for the hundredth time, and make time to do it.

Remember, taking time for yourself isn't selfish; it's an act of self-preservation. Burnout is the enemy of any activist, so make self-care your secret weapon.

2. Build a Support System 🤗

You're not in this fight alone. Activists often face emotional rollercoasters, from witnessing animal suffering to dealing with relentless criticism. That's why you need a rock-solid support system.

Reach out to your fellow animal warriors, join support groups, or talk to friends and family who understand your passion. Sharing your feelings, frustrations, and triumphs with like-minded souls can be incredibly cathartic. They've got your back when the going gets tough, and they'll cheer you on when you're on a winning streak.

3. Boundaries, Baby ⚔️

As an animal activist, your heart is wide open, and your passion runs deep. But don't forget to set boundaries. It's okay to say no when you're stretched too thin, or when you need time to recharge. Your mental health deserves as much attention as your activism.

Boundaries protect your sanity and help you avoid burnout. Remember, you can't pour from an empty cup, so keep that cup full of self-love and self-respect.

4. Accept Imperfection 🙌

You’re absolutely incredible - but you're not a superhero. As much as we may want to, we can't save every animal or fix every problem overnight. Activism is a journey filled with ups and downs, wins and losses. It's okay to make mistakes, experience setbacks, and get frustrated - we all do.

Perfection is overrated anyway bun-buns; learn, adapt, and grow from your experiences. Your journey is a series of lessons and challenges that will make you a stronger, wiser, and more formidable animal activist.

5. Stay Informed but Take Breaks 📰

As an animal advocate, you're probably bombarded with heart-wrenching news about animal suffering and environmental issues every single day. Staying informed is crucial, of course, but too much negativity can take a toll on your mental health.

Balance is key. Take breaks from distressing news when needed. Unplug, go for a walk, or indulge in some feel-good animal videos (we’ve got a whole highlight of these on our Insta). Remember, you're in this for the long haul, so taking care of your mental health is a marathon, not a sprint. Tapping out for a day isn’t a failure, it’s a necessity!

6. Seek Professional Help When Necessary 🩺

If you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed, don't hesitate to seek professional help. Therapy is a safe space to explore your emotions, fears, and challenges. A mental health professional can provide you with valuable coping strategies to navigate the emotional demands of animal activism work.

There's no shame in asking for help. In fact, it's a sign of strength and self-awareness. Your well-being is worth every bit of effort.

7. Celebrate Your Wins 🎉

Amidst the challenges and heartaches, don't forget to celebrate your victories, no matter how small. Every animal you've helped, every policy change you've influenced, every petition you’ve signed, and every heart you've touched is a win.

Positive reinforcement is a powerful motivator. Celebrate your achievements, and let them fuel your passion for the animals and the causes you fight for.

8. Remember Your Why 🌟

On tough days, when it feels like the weight of the world is on your shoulders, remember why you became an animal activist in the first place. Reconnect with that spark, that moment of clarity when you knew you had to make a difference. Your love for animals and your dedication to changing the world for them is your greatest strength.

This can help to carry you through the toughest times and remind you of the incredible impact you're making in the world. Not many people could do what we do, I guess that makes us … legends.

BTW, We Love You Forever 🖤

Remember, you're making a difference, one paw-print at a time, and taking care of your mental health as an animal activist is the best way to keep that passion burning bright. No matter how tough it gets, we see you and we appreciate you.

Feel free to share this blog where you can so we can remind as many activists as possible to take care of themselves x