Being a college student can be an intense and demanding journey, and this experience can become even more challenging with changes in the larger society. Whether it be elections and political turmoil, wars, social strife, or economic instability, national and world events can leave students feeling confused and unsure about the present and the future. This uncertainty can affect academic performance and well-being and sometimes lead to mental health concerns.   

Fortunately, there are a range of strategies that can help individuals to be resilient and respond to uncertain times in healthy ways, according to Dr. Vidal Annan, the senior director for the Center for Mental Health Care and Resources at Georgia Tech. But what is social and political stress and how can it affect someone’s mental state? 

Socio-political stress can be defined as psychological and emotional strain and tension that we may experience in response to political, social, and economic events. Intense feelings and experiences people have that stem from awareness of and exposure to these events can lead to mental health concerns such as anxiety, anger, and depression, according to The Pennsylvania State University.

“The human system is generally able to handle stress by temporarily switching into fight-or flight mode,” Dr. Annan said. “However, when the uncertainty is intense, sustained, or frequent, this can overwhelm the human system and lead to more serious and chronic anxiety, depression, and hopelessness.” 

According to a recent study published by the National Institutes of Health, college students reported high levels of stress regarding the most recent U.S. elections, and the numbers were notable for marginalized minority groups. The study also found that higher sociopolitical stress predicted more depression for students.  

So with the constant flood of information and heightened global tensions, how can students cope during these times? 

“The best solution to uncertainty is certainty. However, sometimes certainty is hard to come by or it may not be in one’s favor,” Annan said. “In those cases, it is important to manage the emotions that we have in response to the uncertainty.”  

Dr. Annan recommends several techniques that can help students — or anyone — find healthy ways to respond to stressful situations, including: 

Manage your exposure to news and social media  

It is important to stay aware and up to date on what is happening in the world, but it is just as vital to not become overwhelmed with news and social media posts. Limit your exposure to these sources of information and try not to get caught up in doom-scrolling.  

Engage in self-care activities regularly  

Stress management involves engaging in regular self-care activities. These include regular sleep, eating and hydrating, socializing, enjoying hobbies, exercising, and finding time to reflect on things that matter to you. Stay away from misusing drugs and alcohol and losing yourself in meaningless activities.  

Manage your interactions with others (different viewpoints)  

Socializing is a healthy, resilience-building activity, however try to limit conversations related to controversial political or social topics. Instead, focus your interactions on sharing common interests.  

Be careful of overthinking   

When we get stressed, the mind may try to “problem-solve” by repeatedly revisiting difficult topics and exploring any and every outcome, especially the negative ones. This overthinking is unhealthy and unhelpful and only produces more feelings of stress. Instead, try to catch yourself when you are overthinking. Ask yourself, “Is this a topic that I can solve by constantly thinking about it?” If not, take a deep breath and try to re-focus on more neutral or engaging topics.  

Engage in self-compassion  

Research shows that when, in times of stress, we treat ourselves with kindness and remember that we are human, it can provide relief. Think to yourself “how would I treat a friend who was struggling with so much confusion and uncertainty”, and then do the same for yourself.  

Take proactive and constructive action   

Try to adopt a problem-solving perspective. Is there a safe and responsible action that you can take to address the issue at hand? In times of uncertainty, it is important to remember that you have a voice. Look to join organizations, engage in positive activism, and increase your knowledge about a topic or issue.   

Seek professional support  

Always remember that help is available. If you feel that the stress is affecting your mental health and functioning, reach out to your campus counseling center and connect with the professionals in that office.  

“The only constant in life is change, and change can make us feel uncertain,” Dr. Annan said. “How we respond to this uncertainty can impact our well-being and functioning. By implementing a variety of effective psychological and practical approaches in our lives, we can reinforce our resilience and stay healthy during difficult times.”  

Students can access a variety of on- and off-campus mental health supports by visiting the student mental health resources webpage on the Center’s website. These resources include virtual counseling, peer coaching, wellness coaching, app-based mindfulness programming, and more. 

Students who are experiencing significant mental health difficulties and need immediate support can call the Center for Mental Health Care and Resources at 404.894.2575 or visit Suite 238 in the Smithgall Student Services Building during business hours (Monday through Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.). After-hours support is available through the same phone number by selecting the option for the after-hours counselor. In an emergency, call Georgia Tech Campus Police at 404.894.2500 on campus or 911 off campus.