As the political climate grows increasingly intense, Gen Z is at the forefront of activism, advocacy, and social change. From climate justice to racial equity, our generation is deeply engaged, often balancing the pressure to create change with the stress of navigating a polarized political landscape. However, while fighting for a better future, it’s also crucial that we protect our own well being.
The current political environment can be overwhelming and, at times, mentally draining. News cycles are constant, and social media serves as a platform for both critical discussions and endless updates. For politically engaged Gen-Zers, balancing activism with mental health is essential. It begins with recognizing how deeply politics can affect our minds and emotions.
How the Political Climate Impacts Mental Health
- Constant Exposure to Stressful News: With 24/7 access to news, Gen Z is often exposed to the most distressing issues around the clock. From climate change disasters to social injustices, the constant influx of heavy news can lead to feelings of anxiety and helplessness. While staying informed is empowering, it’s also emotionally taxing to witness chaos without immediate solutions.
- The Pressure to Stay Active and Informed: Social media platforms like Instagram, X, and TikTok have become hubs for activism, where sharing resources, infographics, and calls to action is commonplace. Gen Z is often expected to not only be informed but also to respond to and engage with political issues on social media. While this culture fosters awareness, it can also contribute to burnout, as many feel the pressure to constantly be “on” for the causes they care about.
- Increasing Division and Conflict: The current political climate is highly polarized, and political conversations, both online and offline, can quickly turn heated. For those actively involved in advocacy, dealing with differing opinions, especially within families, schools, or friend groups, can cause tension, stress, and even lead to feelings of isolation. Navigating these conflicts can feel exhausting and emotionally taxing, making it hard to maintain a positive outlook.
- Social Media’s Role: Social media amplifies voices, spreads awareness, and mobilizes people for causes. Yet, it also subjects users to the endless opinions and criticism of strangers. For Gen Z activists, this can lead to feeling both empowered and overwhelmed. Constant exposure to strong opinions and distressing images can lead to “doomscrolling,” a phenomenon where people consume negative news endlessly, affecting their mental health and overall outlook.
Why Prioritizing Mental Health is Important for Gen Z Activists
To continue advocating for change, Gen Z activists need to prioritize self care. Protecting mental health doesn’t mean disengaging from important issues—it means creating a sustainable approach to advocacy. Here are some ways to do that:
- Set Boundaries with News and Social Media: Being informed doesn’t mean consuming news 24/7. Designate times in the day for checking updates, and take breaks when necessary. Similarly, on social media, consider unfollowing accounts that trigger stress or create a constant sense of urgency. A more curated feed can help reduce overwhelm and allow for a healthier relationship with information.
- Practice Self Compassion: The pressure to be constantly engaged and informed can create feelings of inadequacy if you need a break. Remind yourself that it’s okay to step back. Being kind to yourself, recognizing your limits, and understanding that rest is part of the process will allow you to stay involved without burning out.
- Find Supportive Communities: Surrounding yourself with like-minded people who understand both your passion and your need for balance can make all the difference. Supportive communities can be a source of motivation, and they provide a safe space for sharing experiences, voicing frustrations, and celebrating wins together.
Moving Forward with a Balanced Approach to Advocacy
Advocating for change and maintaining mental well-being aren’t mutually exclusive. In fact, prioritizing mental health enables Gen Z activists to continue their work more effectively. When we protect our minds and emotions, we build the resilience needed to stay engaged in the long-term, even when the political climate is challenging.
The work Gen Z is doing in the political arena is invaluable, but it doesn’t have to come at the expense of personal well being. By setting boundaries, practicing self care, and building supportive networks, we can maintain both our mental health and our commitment to making a positive impact. Our generation’s voices matter, and taking care of ourselves along the way ensures we’ll be able to keep raising them.
