Yeah that’s a good point, we should all probably wear helmets to any protest with a high potential for police brutality, concussions suck. All other body armor can be mostly concealed in clothing.

That sounds like a panic attack, so the general advice works here too. Here’s some advice from people smarter than me.

At an actual demonstration I would suggest repeating the chant, and being prepared. Being prepared is having all the notes you need in case things go south and that you are connected to your group. And supplies like water and milk of magnesium in case of tear gas. No shame in wearing a helmet or any amount of protective gear you can tolerate, the police do.

Those nerves are a big part of the reason for the chants like “not another nickle, not another dime.” Shouting them with the chant leaders should help with those kinda nerves. Let your fear and nerves flow into it.

If you’re having a panic attack while watching videos, turn them off and take a break. Nothing good comes from watching too many of them.

Know when to fight and when to walk away. Battles that can’t be won aren’t worth fighting. Rest if you need it.

This sounds like an example of what Lenin was talking about in “Left-Wing” Communism: an Infantile Disorder. Not all the Pro-Palestine folk are well principled, but I don’t think that has much to do with an excess empathy. It’s often hard to tell the difference between treachery and ignorance.

Religion is the opium of the people.

-Karl Marx

Opium is a wonderful in the case of a person dying or in great pain, but in other circumstances, can be quite harmful. Contemplating religious concepts can be helpful for getting through extremely trying times. It can provide comfort in the face of the unknown. This allows religion, like corrupted science, to be twisted into something used to support atrocities. Sadly because some people seek truth through religion, and rely on religion for their morality, it is easily twisted into a weapon of war. It is similar to the way opium was turned into a weapon of war against China in the mid 19th century.

I like to think of religion as a pain medication for the spirit. Even in a wholly just society, people die. Their loved ones will feel that pain, and religion can provide some relief.