The Psychological Cost of Activism Through Gorillas in the Mist

Fossey’s work brought her face-to-face with the brutal realities of poaching and the fragility of the mountain gorilla population. In the film, these experiences are portrayed as heartbreaking and emotionally overwhelming, with each loss leaving an indelible mark on her psyche. Witnessing suffering day after day, especially when combined with the knowledge of how dire the situation is, creates what psychologists call empathic distress fatigue—a state of emotional exhaustion from feeling others’ pain too intensely for too long.

This burden of constant exposure to suffering is a hallmark of activism burnout. The more personally invested Fossey became in the lives of the gorillas, the more she experienced vicarious trauma—absorbing the emotional weight of their suffering and deaths. Over time, this trauma drove her deeper into her cause, but it also narrowed her perspective, setting the stage for isolation, obsessive behavior, and a rigid worldview.

The film captures how Fossey’s unwavering commitment came at a significant personal cost. From dealing with poachers to managing limited resources and battling systemic corruption, the stress of her mission was relentless. While passion and stress often fuel the early stages of activism, chronic stress depletes a person’s emotional and physical reserves over time, leading to burnout.

Burnout is not just about exhaustion; it’s also characterized by helplessness, cynicism, and detachment. In Fossey’s case, these symptoms manifest as paranoia and hostility, especially toward those she perceives as threats to the gorillas. The stress of her mission ultimately distorts her interpersonal relationships, driving her into deeper isolation and making her unwilling to compromise or collaborate with others.

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One of the most telling aspects of Fossey’s character in the film is her growing isolation. As her passion becomes an all-consuming mission, she pushes away potential allies, including researchers, local communities, and even those sympathetic to her cause. This self-imposed isolation is a common feature of activism burnout, where a person becomes so singularly focused on their mission that they alienate the very people who could provide emotional support or alternative perspectives.

Isolation deprives activists of the social connections needed to maintain emotional balance and creates an echo chamber where their fears and frustrations are amplified. In Fossey’s case, her isolation further entrenches her black-and-white worldview: she sees herself as the sole protector of the gorillas and others as either allies or enemies. This rigidity exacerbates her burnout, as she becomes more defensive, combative, and emotionally drained.

As Fossey’s stress and isolation mount, the film reveals how her passionate commitment begins to cross into obsession. While her dedication is inspiring, it also becomes destructive as she resorts to extreme measures, such as burning poachers’ camps and confiscating livestock. These actions alienate local communities and deepen the divide between her mission and the broader social context in which it exists.

Psychologists often describe activist burnout as a state in which the passion that drives someone begins to work against them, causing them to lose sight of the bigger picture. Fossey's obsession with saving the gorillas blinds her to the importance of building alliances and understanding the cultural and economic pressures driving poaching. Instead, she focuses solely on immediate, aggressive actions, further isolating herself and amplifying her emotional exhaustion.

One of the most devastating aspects of activism burnout is the gradual loss of perspective. The film portrays Fossey as someone who starts with a clear mission but becomes increasingly consumed by the emotional weight of her work. Over time, her ability to regulate her emotions and make strategic decisions deteriorates as her grief and trauma take over.

Emotional exhaustion—a core symptom of burnout—leads to cynicism and an inability to see beyond immediate frustrations. For Fossey, this manifests as a loss of trust in others, a growing sense of paranoia, and a belief that she alone can protect the gorillas. This mindset not only endangers her well-being but also undermines the long-term sustainability of her conservation efforts.

Visiting the Dian Fossey Museum in Rwanda was an unforgettable experience. It allowed me to reflect on her extraordinary achievements in saving the mountain gorillas and their habitat. Her legacy is undeniable, but Gorillas in the Mist is a powerful reminder of the mental and emotional cost of fighting for a cause.

The film captures activism's dual nature: It can inspire profound change and harm mental health. Fossey’s story reminds us that even the most passionate and driven activists must take steps to care for their well-being. Burnout doesn’t diminish the importance of the cause—it simply shows that even the strongest among us need balance, support, and moments of rest to continue fighting for what they believe in.