Taking care of mental health
Working in the issue we are passionate about does not mean we will feel happy all the times. At some point, when work is too overwhelming, it can also lead to stress. A friend of mine who usually enjoys interfaith events cannot feel the same excitement organising interfaith events. He simply just has too much work to do. I feel taking care of my mental health was a lot more challenging when I was working in advocacy. Activists are faced with the dilemma of helping others in need while also taking care of their own mental health. It is also the dilemma of helping others or spending time with our loved ones. Incidents occur at unpredictable times, so we need to be ready to respond at any time. A couple of emergency meetings might come when we are on a tight deadline or during festive seasons. My research deadline was fast approaching and I got an emergency meeting invite for the next 2 hours. I was so stressed out. Not only dealing with the stress, it also made me feel so guilty of not b...