The High Cost of Activist Mental Health. Part One

Activism is a powerful and necessary force for social change, yet it comes with significant emotional and psychological costs. In my coaching with NGO's some of the following stress related themes come up. Understanding these challenges is crucial for supporting activists’ well-being.

1. Emotional Labour

Activists often engage in significant emotional labor, managing their own emotions while supporting others. This can lead to emotional exhaustion and burnout, particularly when they must suppress personal feelings to remain resilient for the communities they serve. There is a great deal of agonising about situations of injustice which is emotionally demanding.

2. Chronic Exposure to Trauma

Activists frequently encounter stories of suffering and injustice, leading to vicarious trauma. This exposure can result in symptoms akin to PTSD, as they internalize the pain of those they advocate for. In other cases, activists themselves have been subjected to traumatic experiences including interrogation, violence, sexual abuse and torture.

3. High-Risk Security Contexts

Activists in repressive political environments face threats to their safety, leading to heightened anxiety and trauma. The constant fear of violence, surveilance and arrests can severely affect mental health. This leads to hypervigilance and increased anxiety and immobilsation leading to a feeling of stuckness and despair.

4. Funding Uncertainty

Activist organizations often rely on external funding, which can be unpredictable. This uncertainty creates chronic stress, making it difficult for activists to focus on their work, as they worry about job security and organizational sustainability. For some NGO's, they are stuck in 'survival' mode.

4. Quantitative and Qualitative Overload

The sheer volume of tasks and the emotional weight of the work can overwhelm activists. Many find themselves juggling multiple responsibilities, leading to anxiety and decreased effectiveness. With increasing funding cuts, the pressure is to do the same or more with less resources. This is unsustainable.

5. Guilt Related to Relative Privilege

Activists from privileged backgrounds may struggle with guilt over their socioeconomic advantages, which can contribute to feelings of inadequacy and emotional distress. This is also a point of organisational tension between management and other staffing levels, where there is differentiated pay arrangements. Add to this expat salaries and benefits!

6. Gender-Based Challenges

Women activists often face sexism and gender-based violence, leading to unique mental health challenges. The dual burden of activism and societal expectations can exacerbate stress and anxiety. Many NGO's appear 'gender friendly' at a surface level. Women often speak of a deeper patriarchal impact and experience of toxic masculinity.

7. LGBTQ+ Activists

Activists identifying as LGBTQ+ may experience discrimination and stigma, which can lead to higher rates of anxiety and depression. Internalized stigma and the need for acceptance can also impact their mental well-being.

8. Geographic Differences

Activists in the Global North often have better access to mental health resources and labour legislations than those in the Global South, where stigma and lack of infrastructure can hinder support. The nature of challenges faced also differs, impacting mental health outcomes. Activists in the Global South tend to me more stoic and endure hardship with fewer complaints until they are given safe spaces to express themselves.

9. Organizational Politics and Conflict Avoidance

Internal conflicts and politics within activist organizations can create a toxic environment, leading to stress and burnout. At its worse, this becomes an internally focused organisation consumed with power struggles and polarisation.

10. Conflict Avoidance Culture

Activists organisations tend to avoid necessary confrontations of poor performance and values violations which can leave issues unresolved, increasing emotional strain for staff affected directly and impacting the larger organisational culture, morale and engagement. Often management, leadership or governance inaction creates unnecessary tension and anxiety within organisations which left unresolved becomes resentment and apathy.

Conclusion

Recognizing and addressing the mental health costs associated with activism is essential for sustaining the well-being of those who fight for justice. By fostering supportive environments and prioritizing mental health, organizations can empower activists to continue their vital work without sacrificing their health. Activists organisations need to be more intentional around self-care and creating cultures that promote wellbeing, high impact and human flourishing.