the backside of activism

[Natkat]

I been active for a pretty long time within the transgender comunety but this summer I decided to try cut down on some of the activism. I got depression, stress and anxiouty and figured I just need to slow down alittle because I need to get a hold on my own life focus abit more about myself
Yet I haven't got to quit the activism 100% and im still doing something.

I think part of my anxiouty and stress also has to do with activism, In one way I really want to do activism in another way I find it pretty exhausting. when you are active you sure get good remarks for what you do but you also get alot of bad comments, that what you do is wrong or you don't do enough or isn't good enough, it dosen't help that im usunally like to work together with all kinds of groups which not always are on good tearms with each other, so somethimes it gives trouble and im view as a traitor for my opinions or for the fact I work beyond diffrent opinions.

So when I get tired of all this people ask why I don't just quit, but it not that easy.
One thing is a personal level, I do enjoy making alot of the activism, I also enjoy alot of the people I work with some of them are like friends or famely to me. saying goodbye to some of the activism also means Im not to spend so much time with them as I used.

Beside this Emotional thing theres a great felling of responsibility who troubles me.
as already mention I care deep for the transgender people but when you live in a country where the transpolitic is very tense, activism also becomes tense. and what you do somethimes become a responsibilaty.
theres situations where I dont feel I can or want to be part of what im doing,  but then I also feel guilty if I quit cause I know it may have consequense for me or other transpeople which I do not want to happent. this is also why I like to talk activism outside my country where im not really expected anything but can be more casual.

bottomline is
it all very stressfull making a line between "normal human being" and "trying to save the world" 
dose anyone have simular issue?

[MadelineB]

Oh yes. I am also drawn to speaking out, to organizing, to connecting with others, to activism.

I have to sometimes remind myself, it took all the time in the world for things to get the way they are today. I don't have to change it overnight.

I do know one thing, when I focus only on the work I am at risk for burnout. But if I focus on strong friendships and strong connections with people who let me totally be myself and not have to work to be understood, that becomes a network of support that boosts my soul and soothes the burns I get out there in the world. Internet is nice, but in person connections mean so much more on a visceral level. I make sure I connect with good people who love me on a regular basis.

You need that support and affirmation especially if you are an activist.

[Natkat]

Oh yes. I am also drawn to speaking out, to organizing, to connecting with others, to activism.

I have to sometimes remind myself, it took all the time in the world for things to get the way they are today. I don't have to change it overnight.

I do know one thing, when I focus only on the work I am at risk for burnout. But if I focus on strong friendships and strong connections with people who let me totally be myself and not have to work to be understood, that becomes a network of support that boosts my soul and soothes the burns I get out there in the world. Internet is nice, but in person connections mean so much more on a visceral level. I make sure I connect with good people who love me on a regular basis.

You need that support and affirmation especially if you are an activist.

you are right, having good friends which isnt for the activism part but just as friends are something pretty important.
I think I have neglected alot of it and focus too much on study and work. one of my friend had asked me to hang out 100 times before I finally got to the point =)