Gen Z drives global protest wave as experts warn of emotional toll

Gen Z protests have pushed millions into the streets from the United States to Madagascar and Nepal. What began as scattered uprisings has become a global wave, and experts say the emotional pressure behind the movement matters as much as the politics.

The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace counts more than 140 mass demonstrations worldwide in the last year, with at least 30 active right now. Clinicians who study brain response say the decision to protest often follows a predictable emotional build-up.

Why emotions drive Gen Z protests

Dr. Hannah Nearney of Flow Neuroscience says protests usually start when people perceive unfairness and the brain responds. The amygdala flags danger. Anger and adrenaline rise. Dopamine rewards the idea of taking action. Those reactions can turn individual outrage into collective courage.

“This sequence — alarm, action, reward — explains why someone’s anger can spark a crowd,” Nearney says. She stresses this pattern isn’t unique to younger generations; the mechanics are similar across ages. What differs is how quickly social media amplifies outrage and spreads calls to action.

Research backs up the clinical perspective. A BMC Psychology review found up to 80% of activists report moderate to severe anxiety or depression during periods of unrest. Other studies put a roughly 7% increase in depression among both protesters and observers after demonstrations, especially when efforts don’t yield change.

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How activists can recover after demonstrations

After days of high alert, many protesters experience a sharp emotional downturn. Dr. Kultar Singh Garcha explains that once adrenaline fades and dopamine dips, people can feel flat, empty, or purposeless — a pattern he likens to a brief post-traumatic slump.

To recover, clinicians recommend simple, routine steps. Prioritize sleep and regular meals. Reintroduce predictable rhythms like set bedtimes and short rest periods. Treat the nervous system gently the way an athlete cools down after a sprint.

Human connection is crucial. Nearney urges activists to lean on friends, family and community groups. “Have someone check in before and after events,” she advises. Shared debriefs help the brain make sense of intense experiences and reduce isolation.

Accepting recovery as part of activism can also sustain long campaigns. Garcha points out that pacing preserves endurance: resting after protests isn’t quitting, it’s preparing to continue. Small, steady steps — physical rest, social support, and focused self-care — reduce the risk of burnout and help movements last.