Need psychological support

• Anxiety, sleeplessness and burnout after a search, a loved one's arrest or years of activism are common reactions. Human rights groups advise not waiting until things get really bad.
• It is better to turn to projects that work with activists and people facing persecution: you don't have to explain the context, and it is safer than telling a random therapist about your views.
• You can get a session anonymously and by text. You don't have to give your name or the details of your case.
• Families of political prisoners need support too: they burn out just as often as activists do.
• Where to turn: First Line (@FirstLineHelpBot), Nora's psychological service (@nora_psyhelp_bot), and Sphere for LGBTQ+ people.

Designations of organisations in this guide: Sphere (foreign agent, "LGBT movement" designated extremist). Contacting them carries a risk: do not write from a phone that may be seized, and do not repost their materials.

current as of 25 September 2026. More: First Line; Nora