Is it okay not to raise awareness all of the time?
Social media is the best place to raise awareness of various causes. It’s also a place that can have a negative impact to your mental health, and can lead to hours of doomscrolling.
And, frequent news can be triggering. Though raising awareness is ultimately a good thing, it can come at a price to your mental health. So I’m answering the question: Is it okay to take time for yourself when it comes to raising awareness?
The simple answer is yes, it is.
It is okay to not constantly spread awareness.
Taking a break doesn’t make you a bad person.
Too often, we put a ridiculous amount of pressure on ourselves and forget that we are in fact, human. It is okay to feel triggered and overwhelmed by all of the posts talking about something that impacts you. It is okay to not talk about your trauma. It is okay to not share a post. The most important thing is: you do what is best for you.
I’ve spoken to so many friends that feel guilty, and as though they aren’t doing enough when they don’t participate in raising awareness of an important cause. Or, they feel overwhelmed by it all because there are so many conversations to be had, and change that is needed in the world.
I am a firm believer that we all have a part to play, and it is important we talk more, and do what we can — but this isn’t an overnight thing. Just like you wouldn’t constantly work, breaks and rest are important, or you’ll just end up burning out.
I think we’ve started to focus more on how much people are doing rather than the intention and impact. Shaming people into sharing things and judging them for not doing so isn’t productive nor is it okay. Equally, we forget that not everyone is comfortable opening up about their experience nor do they need to. I’ve learnt that if something impacts you negatively it is an act of self-care choosing not to. We can raise awareness without triggering ourselves.
With the recent devasting loss of Sarah Everard and more and more people sharing stories about sexual abuse and harassment it can be super intense for many and equally it can be really triggering. I know I have felt really overwhelmed scrolling through Twitter and reading about everyone’s experience. I’ve shared bits of my experience and I’ve then felt really drained and taken a break.
I am so glad to see that the #MeToo movement is spreading more and more awareness and has led to some real change, but it is so important you look after yourself.
Whether that is giving yourself permission to not share your story because it would be overwhelming for you, or it is muting certain words on social media.
Know that it doesn’t make you a bad person. Your wellbeing is important and should always be prioritised.
Not raising awareness because it is triggering to you and you are not ready to talk about what has happened, isn’t a negative reflection on you. It is you doing what you need to protect your mental health. And that is completely valid and okay.