www.activist-trauma.net

Police abuse also leaves emotional wounds

The G8 is over. All in all it was an inspiring experience, a lasting example of our collective strength and dedication. Despite their repression we dared to stand up against them, create our own alternatives; our determination and unity is stronger than the fear they create. People proved to be incredibly brave by going out on the streets and taking action while being aware of possible police brutality.

And although the police brutality was not as bad as it could have been, a fair amount of police abuse has happened. A lot of us got beaten, restrained by our pressure points, held in police cordons. A lot of us got arrested, often violently and some with no apparent reasons. People spent days in police stations and prisons, sometimes being threatened, humiliated and badly treated, often not being granted their basic rights. We have been searched over and over again, they filmed us, followed us, found out our names and addresses. We all probably felt fear at some point. Fear of what they could do to us, fear of a second Genoa, and hating their power to do whatever they want (and to get away with it afterwards…).

Often these experiences stay with us for a while, if we experienced them ourselves or if we were witness to them. Sometimes we come home and pictures of these experiences flash again and again in our minds. We might feel empty and hollow all of a sudden, or terribly sad, or angry. We feel that we are not the same as before, anymore. Something has changed; we can’t just get on with life as before. And yes, something has changed. We have gone through experiences that were threatening to us. It takes some time for our brains to process it and for our bodies and minds to recover. It might take a few hours or it might take a few months...
It is important to take our own time. It is like being ill, in the same way a physical wound needs time to heal, an emotional one does as well. Time to be gentle and patient with ourselves, to rest, to not be too demanding on ourselves. To accept that this is normal and it needs some time. Sleeping, having cups of tea, talking to friends, accepting support, taking care of ourselves and each other…

This sounds easier than it is. Often we feel ashamed of our reactions, we try to hide the fact that we feel like shit. We want nobody to see our tears; nobody shall know that what happened to us has affected us emotionally. We think we should be stronger than that. We are afraid people will think we are weak, or difficult or not good company. It is ironic that these feelings often prevent what helps best such as, talking about it and letting somebody take care of us.
There is no quick answer to this problem, it has to do with the way our brain reacts to what we have experienced and it has to do with the way we deal with these emotions culturally. But it is important to know that there is nothing wrong with what we feel. A lot of people are or have gone through this. And what has happened to us is not our fault - they are the perpetrators. What is wrong is that we still have not managed to develop a culture where these reactions are accepted as normal and where we support each other through it.

Things are starting to change though. More and more of us are becoming aware of the fact that violence also leaves emotional wounds. The word is spreading. The support is getting better. The availability of “treatment” is improving. And even we are getting slowly to the point of accepting that what is happening to us is a normal reaction to an abnormal experience…*

* "normal" in the sense of common (what is normal anyway...) and "abnormal" baring in mind, that police abuse is happening far too often...


Introduction to Post Traumatic Stress

Instances of brutality, even when not directly experienced, tend to have varying effects on different people. Whether you are injured physically or not, one can sustain "psychological trauma" as a result of bearing witness to situations of violence. It is thus imperative that activists take care of one another emotionally, as well as medically.
The condition most commonly affecting activists as a result of traumatic events, experienced or observed, is known as "post traumatic stress," or "critical incident stress." Symptoms include :
1. Re-experiencing the events (dreams/nightmares, obsessions, intrusive memories, flashbacks, etc),
2. Avoidance (amnesia, substance abuse, self-isolation, etc),
3. Increased arousal (insomnia, irritability/outbursts, difficulty concentrating, etc).
These effects are not signs of insanity. You are not alone in experiencing them.
The best known means for dealing with post traumatic stress include:
(1) getting to a place that feels safe, and surround yourself with people with whom you are comfortable;
(2) "processing" the experience, especially by telling the story or otherwise expressing the emotions surrounding the events which led up to your stress reaction.
Affinity groups should make a "critical incident stress debriefing" part of their standard routine following each and every day of action in the streets.

For around 70% of people these symptoms disappear naturally within 4 - 6 weeks. However, if the symptoms persist then it is advisable to seek support as it’s unlikely to resolve by itself and may develop into a serious condition called as Post-Traumatic Stress “Disorder” (PTSD). PTSD is a medically accepted condition, but NOT a mental illness. It can develop months or years after the event. A variety of different ways to help are available


Possible signs and symptoms of a traumatic stress reaction

Emotional signs include: sadness, helplessness, feeling numb, anxiety, fear, apprehension, uncertainty, grief, denial, guilt, depression, feeling overwhelmed, loss of emotional control, irritability, agitation, intense anger with self or others, shame.

Cognitive (thinking) effects include: confusion or mental fuzziness; poor attention and concentration; poor problem-solving; poor decision-making; memory problems; loss of orientation; disturbing thoughts; flashbacks and intrusive images; avoidance of thinking; nightmares, panic attacks, hyper-vigilance, guilt, and blaming others or yourself.

Behavioural signs include: withdrawal; tearfulness and emotional outbursts; an inability to feel settled; suspiciousness; hyper-alertness/intensified startle-response; a loss or increase in appetite; increased alcohol consumption; increased use of medication; change in sexual functioning; altered sleep patterns; strained relationships; increased accidents; avoidance of places, people or situations; loss of interest in life; reluctance to discuss the event or wanting to talk about it all the time; apparent personality change or anti-social behaviour.

Physical effects include: fatigue, weakness, nausea, dizziness, chest pain, elevated blood pressure, difficulty breathing, sweating, teeth-grinding, rapid heart rate, muscle tremors, visual difficulties, menstrual changes, feeling faint, stomach upsets, muscular tension leading to head, neck or backache.

Note: it is highly unlikely that all of the symptoms will apply at the same time. Remember that these symptoms are natural reactions to very disturbing situations, and some of these symptoms are attempts of your body and your brain trying to protect you.
If these symptoms apply to you, make sure the people surrounding you get to see this list, so they are able to understand your reactions better.
If your friend shows any of these signs, make sure s/he receives information and support.

DOWNLOAD the Activist Trauma Briefing and Flyer from the web:
www.activist-trauma.net

For more information and support:
Email:  activist_trauma@riseup.net
Mobile: 0044 (0)79 6240 6940 for some time after the G8
Trauma help line 0044 (0)20 7871 6940 for the next months every THURSDAY 19-21h, landline
>If you can’t get through, leave a message or send us an email with your number and we will get back to you!


www.activist-trauma.net