In this article, we explained activism and mental health, the dynamic relationship between activism and mental health, the benefits, the examples of activism and mental health, negative impacts of activism on mental health.
Definition
Activism is the action of dynamically campaigning to bring about political or social change, while Mental Health refers to an individual’s psychological and emotional well-being. The relationship between the two is dynamic: activism can empower individuals, provide purpose, and foster a sense of community, but it also carries risks like burnout, trauma, and distress, especially in high-risk environments.
The Dynamic Relationship Between Activism and Mental Health:’
How Activism Can Positively Impact Mental Health
Empowerment and Purpose:
Activism can provide a strong sense of purpose and self-actualization, which are beneficial for mental well-being.
Social Connection:
Participating in collective action fosters social connections and strengthens social identity, countering feelings of loneliness and improving self-esteem.
Behavioral Activation:
For individuals struggling with depression or anxiety, activism offers structure, routine, and a positive focus, diverting energy from self-absorption and negative rumination.
Increased Hope and Meaning:
Working towards a goal for societal betterment can instill a sense of hope, increase life satisfaction, and contribute to a greater sense of meaning.
Reduced Guilt and Locus of Control:
Proactive engagement in activism can reduce feelings of “activist guilt” (feeling one isn’t doing enough) by increasing one’s locus of control over societal issues.
How Activism Can Negatively Impact Mental Health
Burnout and Exhaustion:
Constant engagement in activism, especially in movements with high stressors, can lead to emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion, also known as burnout.
Psychological Distress:
The stress of facing systemic inequities, slow or failed attempts at change, and backlash can increase negative mood and psychological distress.
Moral Injury:
Activists may experience moral injury from witnessing or participating in events that violate their ethical or moral standards.
Vicarious Trauma:
Exposure to the trauma of others, especially through media coverage of events like police brutality, can lead to vicarious trauma.
Activist Guilt:
The persistent feeling of not doing enough can be a significant stressor, contributing to feelings of inadequacy and burnout.
Factors Influencing the Relationship
Type of Activism:
Low-risk, traditional political activism has been associated with better mental health, while high-risk or expressive political actions can increase distress.
Success and Backlash:
Successful actions are associated with greater well-being, whereas unsuccessful attempts or negative reactions to change efforts can negatively impact mental health.
Social Identity:
Strong identification with an activist group can be a protective factor, improving mental health.
Personal Agency:
The degree to which activists feel their efforts are effective and meaningful influences their mental health outcomes.
The Benefits of Activism and Mental Health:
Sense of Purpose and Meaning:
Activism provides a strong sense of purpose, which is crucial for mental well-being and can counter feelings of distress.
Community and Social Connection:
Engaging in activism allows individuals to connect with others who share their values and passions, building supportive networks and reducing feelings of isolation.
Empowerment and Agency:
By taking action, individuals can transform feelings of helplessness and frustration into a sense of control and empowerment, increasing their confidence and efficacy.
Personal Growth and Skill Development:
Activism encourages the development of psychological skills such as discipline, focus, and goal-setting, contributing to personal development and mental toughness.
Hope and Positive Outlook:
Working towards a cause can foster hope and contribute to a more flourishing state of being.
Catharsis and Expression:
Participating in collective actions can provide a healthy outlet for empathy and passionate feelings that might otherwise be expressed in negative ways.
Identity Formation:
For adolescents, activism can be a key part of developing their personal identity and moral character.
How Activism Helps
Turning Passion into Action:
Activism provides a pathway to channel intense emotions and passions into positive, constructive action, leading to self-gratification.
Addressing Systemic Issues:
By taking action against systemic oppression, individuals can feel like they are reclaiming their voices and contributing to meaningful social change.
Building Resilience:
The challenges and setbacks inherent in activism can help individuals build resilience and mental toughness.
The Examples of Activism and Mental Health:
Mental Health Awareness Campaigns:
Activists use social media, public speaking, and community events to educate the public about mental health, combat stigma, and promote mental well-being.
Advocacy for Policy Changes:
Activists lobby for better mental healthcare access, funding for mental health services, and policies that address the social determinants of mental health.
Personal Storytelling:
Individuals share their personal experiences with mental health conditions to reduce shame, foster empathy, and inspire others to seek support, as noted on ResearchGate and Quaderns de Psicologia.
The Interplay Between Activism and Mental Health
Positive Effects:
Empowerment and Purpose: Provides a sense of purpose and accomplishment, channeling energy into tangible goals.
Personal Growth: Fosters a sense of self-actualization and growth through meaningful activity.
Social Well-being: Creates a sense of belonging and community, countering isolation and withdrawal.
Adaptive Coping: Acts as an adaptive coping mechanism for individuals experiencing discrimination or microaggressions.
Negative Effects:
Burnout and Distress: Can lead to exhaustion, burnout, and psychological distress.
Trauma: High-risk activism can be a significant source of trauma, including vicarious trauma and complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD).
Moral Injury: The stress of witnessing or participating in acts that violate one’s moral code can cause moral injury.
Mitigating Risks:
Collective Care: Cultivating practices of collective care and resilient organizational cultures can mitigate negative psychological costs.
Sustainability: Focusing on lower-risk forms of activism and fostering sustainable organizational practices can support long-term well-being.
Conclusion
Activism is the action of vigorously campaigning to bring about political or social change, while Mental Health refers to an individual’s psychological and emotional well-being. The relationship between the two is dynamic: activism can empower individuals, provide purpose, and foster a sense of community, but it also carries risks like burnout, trauma, and distress, especially in high-risk environments.
READ: Understanding Environmental Activism