Mental Health
A "mental health first aid kit" for activists: online courses, support lines, meditation and mindfulness practices, and more.
Burnout, trauma, and compassion fatigue are common in our movement. They are occupational hazards for those of us who realize the huge scale of animal suffering.
Instead of denying it, we dedicate ourselves to ending the systems causing it, often sacrificing our own needs in the process. Too often, our dedication is met with ridicule, resistance, criticism, or indifference. It's tough to care deeply about others, especially when we face vystopia, the anguish of being vegan in a non-vegan world.
But you're not alone. You're part of a global community that supports each other. In tough times, we prioritize our most precious resource: our volunteers. Below, we have compiled a "mental health first aid kit" full of resources for activists.
24/7 support
Animal Activist Support Line
In Defense of Animals (IDA) runs a 24/7 support line staffed by trained counselors who are passionate animal advocates themselves. They help activists clarify their missions, work effectively, balance activism with life, and prevent or heal from burnout and trauma.
Call when you feel overwhelmed, frustrated, angry, alone, upset, or discouraged about animal rights work.
Online training
Sustainable Vegan Advocacy online course
This course teaches about burnout in vegan advocacy and provides evidence-based strategies for sustainable advocacy. Learn to spot the signs of burnout, reverse its effects, honor your needs, and build resilience. Developed by experienced leaders in animal advocacy, it includes videos and activities.
Use the code WTFACTIVISTS or WTF for free access.
Support groups and therapy
People to talk to
Two Facebook groups and a therapist list, all run by people inside the movement.
Vegan Mental Health Support Group
A Facebook group where vegans share experiences and reactions openly.
Explore
Animal Activist Online Support Group
Run by In Defense of Animals, this group gives emotional support to animal activists worldwide.
Explore
Therapists for animal activists
IDA keeps a list of therapists who understand animal advocate issues. Some offer discounted rates for referrals from the support line.
ExploreWork through it yourself
Things to work through
A video series, a self-help technique and a workbook. Nothing to sign up for.
Sustainable activism tips
A short video series from In Defense of Animals. Ten suggestions from experienced activists.
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Emotional Freedom Technique
Joan Ranquet introduces EFT as a way for animal rescuers to relieve compassion fatigue.
Explore
Compassion fatigue workbook
Personal stories and exercises from Jennifer Blough, on what caring for animals costs and how to carry it.
ExploreMindfulness and meditation
Apps for ten quiet minutes
Five meditation apps, plus a written guide if you have never tried it.
Aura
Three-minute daily meditations, and mood tracking to find the times of day that work for you.
Explore
Headspace
A meditation app that keeps the tone light, if solemn guided sessions put you off.
Explore
Mindful.org
A written guide to starting meditation, if you would rather read than download anything.
ExplorePlease note: while we're aware of the mental health challenges often encountered by animal advocates, we're not mental health professionals. We The Free can't take responsibility for the content of the linked websites and programs above. Inclusion of these links doesn't necessarily imply a recommendation or endorsement of the content or views expressed within. We have no control over the content, nature, or availability of these resources. Access them at your own risk.
If you are in crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a crisis line in your country.