LGBTQ individuals are known to be more likely than heterosexual individuals to experience mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, which may stem from various factors including discrimination, social exclusion, and stigmatization.
There is limited research on how engagement in activism can impact their mental health and the risk of burnout. This paper explores the potential link between activism and psychological well-being among LGBTQ individuals, focusing specifically on the ways that involvement in advocacy work may help to reduce stress and promote resilience against negative mental health outcomes.
The term "engagement" refers to any form of participation or action taken by an individual to support a cause or movement. Activism encompasses a wide range of activities, from participating in protests and marches to writing letters to elected officials, attending community events, organizing rallies, and lobbying for legislative change. Engaging in activism has been shown to have numerous benefits for physical and mental health, including reducing stress, promoting self-esteem and empowerment, fostering social connection, and increasing a sense of purpose and meaning in life.
Studies have found that volunteering can lower blood pressure and improve cardiovascular function, while political activism has been associated with reduced rates of depressive symptoms and improved overall well-being. In addition, those who participate in collective action are less likely to suffer from feelings of isolation and alienation, two common triggers of mental illness.
Engaging in activism also comes with its own set of challenges, including burnout, fatigue, and emotional exhaustion. Burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged exposure to high levels of stress, often characterized by feelings of cynicism, detachment, and hopelessness. It is commonly seen among those working in demanding professions such as medicine, teaching, and social work, but may also affect individuals engaged in advocacy work. While some research suggests that LGBTQ activists experience more burnout than their non-activist peers, other studies have found no significant difference in burnout rates between the two groups. This inconsistency could be due to methodological differences or differing definitions of burnout, which may vary across cultures and contexts.
There is limited evidence on how engagement in activism specifically impacts psychological health outcomes for LGBTQ individuals. Some studies suggest that involvement in advocacy work may provide a sense of empowerment, community, and belonging that helps to buffer against negative mental health effects, while others find no clear relationship between activism and improved well-being.
Most of this research has focused on the general population rather than specific subgroups within it, such as LGBTQ individuals. Future research should explore the nuanced ways that activism can influence psychological health and burnout among different groups of LGBTQ people, taking into account factors such as identity, background, gender, age, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status.
While there are potential benefits and challenges associated with engaging in activism, the overall effect on mental health and burnout remains unclear. More research is needed to understand the complex interplay between these variables and identify strategies for promoting positive outcomes for LGBTQ individuals who choose to participate in advocacy work.