Taking Care of Yourself Amidst the Fight for Justice

As therapists and mental health professionals, you are on the front lines of the mental, emotional, and social battles that shape our world. The work you do is vital, especially in these times when systemic oppression, inequality, and the continued injustices perpetuated by both societal and political forces feel more overwhelming than ever. And yet, the very systems that perpetuate harm often seem intent on draining your energy, burning you out, and ultimately making it harder for you to keep fighting. This is a reality many therapists, advocates, and justice workers are facing, especially with the rise of harmful policies under the Trump administration and the continuing challenges of the systems we work to dismantle.

Audre Lorde, an iconic writer and activist, famously coined the term “self-care” as a radical act, a direct response to the forces of colonialism, systemic violence, and oppression. Lorde recognized that self-care wasn’t about luxury or indulgence, but rather a critical tool for survival—a necessary act of resistance to ensure that we could continue to fight for justice. In her words, “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.”

In a similar vein, Angela Davis, a prominent figure of the Civil Rights movement and a passionate advocate for social justice, has long emphasized the importance of self-care for those who dedicate their lives to activism. Davis, who has been deeply involved in political movements for decades, has advocated for yoga and mindfulness practices as tools for maintaining one’s well-being in the midst of relentless struggle. As she says, “Anyone who is interested in making change in the world also has to take care of herself, himself, theirselves.”

For therapists, mental health services providers, and community organizers, the importance of self-care cannot be overstated. In the face of oppression, caring for yourself is not just a personal choice—it is a radical act of survival and resistance. It is a powerful way to ensure you can continue the fight for justice, even when systems of power are designed to wear you down.

Understanding Self-Care Beyond the Mainstream

When most people think of self-care, they might envision a bubble bath, yoga class, spa day, or getting a manicure. While these things can certainly be relaxing and enjoyable, the version of self-care that many people are sold is often rooted in hyper-individualism and capitalism. It’s a commodified, sanitized version of wellness that focuses more on aesthetics than genuine well-being. This mainstream, consumer-driven “self-care” is largely about catering to individual desires, often divorced from the collective and radical struggles we are facing in society today.

Audre Lorde’s self-care, however, is something more profound. It is a political act that acknowledges the historical and systemic factors that impact your health and well-being. It is about nurturing your mental, emotional, and physical health so that you can remain strong and resilient in the face of constant adversity.

Angela Davis’s advocacy for self-care, particularly in the form of yoga and mindfulness, reinforces this idea. Davis, who has experienced the intense pressures of political activism, recognizes that to sustain the work for social justice, you must prioritize your own health. This idea aligns deeply with Lorde’s notion that self-care is not an indulgence but a necessary act of self-preservation.

For therapists, especially those in Missouri and Utah, where the landscape of mental health care can often be challenging due to limited access and political climates that may not always prioritize well-being, this kind of radical self-care becomes even more critical. You’re likely witnessing firsthand the toll that systemic issues take on your clients—whether it's poverty, discrimination, or trauma—and often you are facing the same struggles in your own life. The burden of helping others while also carrying your own burdens can lead to burnout, compassion fatigue, and ultimately a loss of the very energy you need to do your work.

Self-Care for Therapists: Radical and Holistic Practices

So, how can therapists, mental health professionals, and community workers in Missouri and Utah take care of themselves amidst a culture and political environment that seems intent on pushing them to the edge? Lorde’s and Davis’s concepts of self-care challenge us to think beyond self-indulgence and instead focus on the preservation of our ability to continue in the work of justice. Here are some tangible ways you can incorporate self-care into your life as an act of resistance:

1. Maintain Your Physical and Mental Health

One of the most fundamental forms of self-care is to take care of your body and mind. This goes beyond the typical advice of getting enough sleep and drinking enough water. It involves taking a holistic approach to your well-being, recognizing that the state of your body, mind, and spirit are all interconnected.

• Schedule Regular Health Appointments: We often tell others to take care of themselves, but how many of us forget to make our own doctor’s appointments or put off our own mental health check-ins? Prioritize physical exams, dental cleanings, and mental health check-ins so that you can continue to show up for the people who rely on you.

• Exercise for Health, Not for Appearance: Find ways to engage in physical activity that nourish both your mind and body. Yoga, swimming, walking, dancing, or even just stretching in the morning—these movements not only help you stay physically healthy but also give you the mental space to center yourself before diving into your work. Angela Davis’s own practice of yoga is a testament to how these simple, mindful movements can help maintain inner peace amidst the chaos.

• Eat Nourishing Food and Hydrate: Proper nutrition plays a pivotal role in how we feel. Eating well-balanced meals and staying hydrated can positively impact your energy, mood, and cognitive function, helping you be more present and effective in your work.

  
  

2. Limit Alcohol and Drug Use

It's easy to turn to alcohol or other substances as a way to unwind after a difficult day or week. However, these coping mechanisms, while momentarily soothing, can ultimately cause more harm, impairing your ability to stay grounded and emotionally resilient. In a culture that pushes alcohol consumption and substance use as part of social gatherings or self-care routines, it is essential to be mindful of how these substances impact your mental and physical health.

Limit your intake of alcohol or other substances so that you can remain clear-headed and capable of meeting the demands of your work. Substance abuse can interfere with your ability to show up as your best self for your clients, your community, and yourself.

3. Engage in Community Care and Build Supportive Networks

Self-care is not only an individual pursuit but also a collective one. Building and nurturing relationships within your community is vital to ensure that you’re not isolated in your struggles. This is especially important in states like Missouri and Utah, where access to mental health resources and community support may be limited.

• Connect with Fellow Therapists: Find peer groups or professional networks where you can share the challenges of your work, discuss strategies for self-care, and receive mutual support. Therapists, especially those in more isolated areas, often bear the weight of their clients' struggles without an outlet to process their own emotional and mental health needs. Support from your colleagues can act as a powerful form of self-care.

• Engage in Community Organizing: Connect with local organizations and movements that focus on issues of justice, equity, and care. Whether you’re engaging in protests, town hall meetings, or community healing circles, being part of a collective action can renew your sense of purpose and give you the strength to keep going. If you have the resources, consider donating to causes that align with your values, as financial support can help sustain vital movements and provide the necessary resources for advocacy and community care.

• Form Personal Support Networks: Surround yourself with friends, family members, and other trusted individuals who understand the emotional toll of your work. Talking to people who don’t rely on you for care can provide much-needed perspective and emotional release.

  
  

4. Boycott Harmful Systems and Focus on Advocacy

As much as possible, be conscious of where and how you spend your time, energy, and resources. Boycotting harmful systems—be it companies that exploit workers, government systems that perpetuate inequality, or institutions that are complicit in oppression—becomes a crucial part of self-care because it allows you to reduce your involvement in systems that drain you.

Support local businesses, engage in activism, and seek out opportunities to promote systemic change in the communities you serve. Your role as a therapist isn’t just to provide individual support but to contribute to larger systemic change. The act of boycotting oppressive systems doesn’t just conserve your energy—it serves as a statement of your commitment to justice and liberation.

5. Set Boundaries to Prevent Burnout

As therapists, you're often expected to give, and give, and give again. However, without boundaries, this giving becomes unsustainable. Self-care includes recognizing that your emotional, physical, and mental energy has limits and that setting boundaries is necessary for your long-term well-being.

• Know Your Limits: Recognize when you're reaching the edge and give yourself permission to step back, whether that means reducing your caseload or taking time off.

• Practice Saying No: It's okay to say no to things that drain you or take away from your ability to do the work that matters most. This might be difficult, especially when you're so committed to helping others, but learning to prioritize your health and well-being is a crucial form of self-care.

The Fight for Justice Is Long-Term—You Need to Last

The systems we are up against are designed to make us burn out. Low wages, lack of resources, inaccessible services, and oppressive policies are all part of a system that preys on your capacity to fight for justice. But we have to be in this fight for the long haul. Your survival is a radical act, and that survival depends on your ability to take care of yourself.

Remember, self-care is not an indulgence—it is a necessary form of resistance. As Audre Lorde beautifully put it, “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” Similarly, as Angela Davis reminds us, “Anyone who is interested in making change in the world also has to take care of herself, himself, theirselves.” Caring for yourself ensures that you remain grounded, resilient, and capable of continuing the vital work of mental health support, advocacy, and justice. By caring for yourself, you honor your own humanity and protect your ability to continue working toward liberation for yourself and the communities you serve.

You are needed. You are vital. Take care of yourself so you can continue the work that is so deeply needed in our world today.

If you are interested in diving deeper into your self-care practice, know that you need to get back into therapy for yourself, check out my website for more. I combine EMDR, somatic therapies, and trauma-conscious yoga to help female therapists protect themselves against burn-out, release pain at their roots, break generational trauma cycles, and release what is trapped so you can keep doing this work and find your way back to yourself.