How Protesting Has Impacted Mental Health

With the shocking deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, injustices within America’s law enforcement system have been exposed. Protests are methods in combating systemic racism within America and are a productive way to express oneself on the current injustices. Taking part in protests is a productive push towards equality in our country, however protestors can only continue these social justice acts in a positive manner by remembering to support their mental health.

Although there are benefits from movements towards social growth, protests came with many factors that can also take a heavy hit to one’s mental health which is one of the reasons protestors must keep mental health in mind. For one, many of these protests have gone against our law enforcement since their ineffective laws have not protected the Black community appropriately and instead put them at risk says criminal justice professor, Jennifer Cobbina, at Michigan State University. These protests pressure law enforcement to make effective changes such as an end to racial bias and redirecting police funds towards financial aids for Black families. However, in order to suppress protests, law enforcement uses tear gas, rubber bullets which can cause serious trauma for protestors which are “weapons used as a last resort, [only] if there’s really an uncontrollable level of violence that threatens public safety,” says emergency room physician Rohini Haar.

While there is a preconceived notion that protests cause physical and emotional stress and can take a negative hit to one’s mental health, studies have shown that protests can be an empowering experience. A study by the University of Sussex regarding the effects of protests “found that people involved in campaigns, strikes and political demonstrations experience an improvement in psychological well-being that can help them overcome stress, pain, anxiety and depression.” 

These acts can allow one to feel included and have a purpose in society, distracting from any previous mental health stresses. Protests create a sense of community that allow people of different backgrounds to unite.

According to mental health provider Kira Hayes, witnessing police officers react to concerns with “militarized behavior is impacting people in similar ways to wartime.” Hayes continues to explain that these protests are also hectic and happen too quickly for people to process which can lead to anxiety and panic. 

There are ways for protestors and the Black community to care for their mental health while taking part in these methods of social justice. Alisha Moreland-Capuia, executive director of Oregon Health, recommends several mental health resources One example is Sharing Hope, a presentation specifically created to increase mental health awareness by addressing the situations amongst the Black community and how these factors should be taken into account to maintain safety and health during protests.