Mindful Activism: Balancing Mental Health with Advocacy Work

Rebecca Leon, MHC-LP

Activism is often born out of a deep sense of injustice and a desire to create meaningful change. For many people with marginalized identities, this work is not just a choice but a necessity. Advocacy becomes a way to challenge systemic inequalities and fight for the rights and dignity of those who have been historically oppressed. However, because activism work is never-ending, it can take a toll on mental health. The emotional labor involved, coupled with the constant exposure to trauma, can lead to stress, fatigue, burnout, anxiety, hopelessness, and depression (Underwood, 2023). This is where mindful activism comes into play—a practice that prioritizes mental wellbeing while continuing the crucial work of advocacy.

Understanding the Emotional Weight of Activism

Activism is often emotionally charged. Whether protesting in the streets, organizing community events, or engaging in online advocacy, activists frequently confront painful realities. The weight of these experiences can be overwhelming, especially when change is slow, or the systems in place seem insurmountable. For activists from BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and other marginalized communities, the struggle is even more personal, as the issues they fight against often directly affect them or their loved ones. In addition to fighting systems of oppression, they’re also personally facing these same systems daily.

This emotional labor, while necessary, can lead to significant mental health challenges. Activists may experience feelings of helplessness, frustration, or anger. The constant exposure to injustice can also trigger trauma responses, particularly for those who have experienced similar forms of oppression. Without proper mental health care, these feelings can accumulate, leading to stress, anxiety, depression, or burnout (Underwood, 2023).

The Importance of Mindfulness in Activism

Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present and aware of one's thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without judgment. In the context of activism, mindfulness can serve as a powerful tool for maintaining mental health. It allows activists to recognize when they are feeling overwhelmed or emotionally drained and to take steps to care for themselves before burnout sets in (Gertjejanssen, 2021).

Incorporating mindfulness into activism can take many forms. For some, it might involve regular meditation or breathing exercises to help manage stress. For others, it could be about setting boundaries—knowing when to step back from advocacy work to recharge. Mindfulness also encourages activists to focus on the present moment, which can help reduce feelings of helplessness about the future. To learn more about mindfulness, see our previous blog post on how mindfulness can improve mental health. 

Balancing Advocacy with Self-Care

One of the most important aspects of mindful activism is recognizing the importance of self-care. Advocacy work is often seen as selfless, with activists dedicating their time and energy to others. However, it is essential to remember that self-care is not selfish. In fact, taking care of oneself is crucial for sustaining long-term activism. Self-care and wellness are forms of resistance necessary for survival (Pitts, 2023).

Self-care can be as simple as taking breaks, engaging in hobbies, or spending time with loved ones. Self-care can also involve professional mental health support, such as therapy or counseling, to process the emotional toll of advocacy work. By prioritizing self-care, activists can ensure they have the energy and emotional resilience to continue their work (Pitts, 2023). To learn more about self-care, see our previous blog post on why self-care is important. 

Creating a Culture of Support

It is important for activist communities to create a culture of support where mental health is prioritized. This can involve checking in on fellow activists, offering support when someone needs to step back, and creating an environment where discussing mental health challenges is okay. By building a supportive community, activists can help each other navigate the emotional challenges of their work.

Mindful activism is about balancing the urgency of advocacy with the necessity of mental wellbeing. Mindfulness and self-care practices can help activists sustain their efforts for the long haul while protecting their mental health. After all, a movement is only as strong as the individuals within it, and ensuring the wellbeing of those individuals is vital to creating lasting change. 

Sources

Gertjejanssen, C. Mindfulness and Activism. New Roots Institute. 

Pitts, J. 2023. Self-Care in the Movement. Learning for Justice

Underwood, A. 2023. Yes, Even Social Activists Need Rest Too. VeryWellMind.