Overcoming Burnout

by Nicole Rose

Organising with others for human, animal and earth liberation can be one of the most empowering experiences alive. Yet frontline resistance comes with risks to our physical and emotional health that can lead many people to burn out and abandon social movements altogether.

This book is about overcoming burnout, linking the author’s journey of recovery with wider systemic forces such as classism, sexism and power dynamics in groups, poverty, chronic illness and ableism, as well as grief and trauma from prison and state repression. It is a call for models of mutual aid and collective care. Simultaneously deeply personal and acutely political, for anyone involved in grassroots organising, it is a must read.

Genres: Activism, Nonfiction, Mental Health, Psychology

Unknown Binding

Published January 1, 2019

Reviews

[kayleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I needed to read this. it was so refreshing to read something about burnout with a structural analysis and realistic understanding of what people are going through, and in a way that was so relatable. there was so much wisdom within. I found the section on vicarious trauma particularly useful, and will be coming back to this book (and the resources signposted within) again as I continue to navigate my own (and others) experiences with burnout.

5 stars ❤️🌱🦊🏴🌈

[Lex Adriaensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I needed this book both on so many different levels:

The chapter "when did i get so mean" touched me so deeply. Here Nicole goes over some statements she regularly thought in relation to groups of militants.
The ones that i felt the most:
" Struggle demands commitment and dedication and hard work, they woudn't call it struggle if it was easy"
"there would be less X (assaulted people, refugees dying,...) if people took this struggle more seriously and actually got off their asses"
"This isn't a game or a lifestyle choice "
"Why aren't people more angry"
"Do people really think we're going to bring down such an oppressive system without hard work?"
"What i experience is nothing"

These are one by one things I have said, thought and blamed people for. Yes that was confronting to read. Definitely made me feel like I need to work on this. 
So then I went on to read the rest of the book.
Other chapters that resonated with me were: the biology of burnout, patriarchy makes me tired, when class is a struggle, regenerative vs extractive organising. 

There was a moment where I realised that I am always checking in with people, before, after and during actions and organising and asking about needs and that this is emotional work that I myself never saw as work. And beyond the fact that I never saw this as work before, it's exhausting not to get this back. I think this is super important to keep doing this but this was really good to realise this and also see this as organising and work for myself.

Since then the book gave me so much comfort to read, and to learn new things about myself.

The bullet points writing style works so well.

I made so many reflections about my care work, and how i'm commited to social change.

I would everyone who is involved in social struggle recommend to read this book

[Val · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this book was very short and digestible, it took a while to finish because of my level of burnout. How ironic. In the end, Nicole reminded me to grieve and process the events contributing to my burning out while acknowledging the cyclical nature of radical self care and how it cannot be accomplished through isolation.

[Ángel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book of essays on self & community care, recognizing the capitalist structures of our habits as organizers and activists on the ground and behind the scenes, and dismantling oppression from inside out. This book was a very good surprise.

[Neon Green Alien 👾👽 · Rating 4 out of 5]

REally enjoyed this book. Was perfectly suited to be and was just what I was looking for. Took be about a day to read but I'm sure I will be returning back to the book in the future.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish this was longer but I appreciate why it isn't. I'm off to find Nicole's blog after finding this book at Penfight.

[Ezra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grateful to have the types of friends that will gift me books like this. Really amazing read!

[Claire M · Rating 5 out of 5]

An essential read for activists/ humans

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential, inspiring, vital (in all senses of the word) reading for anyone involved in politics, social media, caring professions.