It Needs to Be Said with Dr. Robert Ortega

Grassroots activists are known for burning the candle at both ends and for their unwavering devotion to democratic causes, making communities better, and fighting against injustice. But what happens when activists are burnt out and feeling hopeless in tough political times? There’s a risk to their mental health and for important causes to lose their champions. That’s why it’s so important for activists to practice good self-care so they can keep going to save democracy. Activism must be sustainable.

Join us to hear from Dr. Robert Ortega, who is a licensed clinical psychologist and founder of RIO Therapies. Dr. Ortega provides psychotherapy and leads groups for activists seeking to sustain their well-being and engagement. His work focuses on the relationship between mental health and politics, including political stress, civic engagement, and activist burnout. He writes about these issues in his Substack, The Agentic, and teaches clinicians how to address political and sociopolitical concerns in therapy. Dr. Ortega earned his undergraduate degree from Georgetown University and his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Oregon.

Dr. Ortega will be talking with this evening’s host, Susan Wagner, and will candidly discuss what needs to be said about how to sustain activism, the importance of self-care, and strategies for activists to stay in the fight. This thought-provoking conversation will be held on Thursday, August 13, at 8 p.m. Eastern, 7 p.m. Central, 6 p.m. Mountain, and 5 pm Pacific.

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