Sociopolitical Stress

Institutions of higher education often recognize and provide mental health services for many types of stressors to college students, however, the impact of sociopolitical stress may be less noticed. Sociopolitical stress refers to intense feelings and experiences people have that stem from an awareness of, exposure to, or involvement in political events and phenomena like elections and social movements, according to an article from Inside Higher Ed. College students from historically marginalized groups regarding race, gender and sexual identification may experience higher levels of sociopolitical stress. It may also intensify existing stressors historically experienced by college students.


In a climate of sudden and unprecedented modifications to policies and regulations due to an everchanging political structure, international students at universities experience heightened psychological distress as they continue to fulfill their academic, social and immigration obligations. Potential changes in immigration and visa policies may be perceived "like a sword hanging over every international student" in regard to completing their degree programs, internships or mandatory practice hours for licensing. Immigrant and international student status greatly impacts their college experience and success.


Academic institutions can help students impacted by sociopolitical stress by providing information and resources and recognizing that elections and policy changes can affect students' well-being and overall mental health.

Video Resources

Sociopolitical Overview

This video gives an introduction to sociopolitical stress on college campuses and ways for students to manage.

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Coping with Sociopolitical Stress

This video discusses the relationship between sociopolitical stress and college student mental health.

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Website Resources

Strategies to Cope with

Sociopolitical Stress

"People may experience intense feelings and experiences that stem from awareness of, exposure to, and/or involvement in, political events and phenomena. This is called sociopolitical stress." - Ballard, 2022


Sociopolitical stress has been shown to have a profound impact on mental health, particularly among college students.


Penn State University offers various resources to students that provide strategies to cope with sociopolitical stress.

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5 Ways to Manage

Politically Induced Stress

No matter what your political beliefs or affiliations, it's safe to say all Americans are now living through a unique moment in our nation's history. The past few months have brought daily headlines that have added to the intense feelings that many people feel around any presidential election—especially younger people who are thinking about what their future might hold.


No matter where you fall on the political spectrum, University of Michigan psychiatrist Michelle Riba, MD, MS, offers strategies for how to be mindful of depression and anxiety symptoms around the topic

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PDF Resource: Election Empowerment Plan

Many people use an Election Empowerment Plan to help them move forward from an election. This sample from Penn State Student Affairs Counseling & Psychological Services is designed to help students stay involved in the issues that are important to them as the impact of elections does not end once the outcome is certified. It guides the student through the coping and planning process and helps them identify the resources they need to cope or stay engaged in the political process.

Link to Download

Mental Health Resources

Protecting Your Mental Health from

Violent Content Online

By following the six steps highlighted in this article, you can protect your mental health.

  1. Take a digital break
  2. Take a physical break
  3. Pay attention to how you feel
  4. Get support if you need it
  5. Don't share the video, share the life
  6. Find like-minded people or groups
Learn More

Depression Center

Toolkit

The University of Michigan's Eisenberg Family Depression Center Toolkit is a comprehensive resource designed to support individuals, families, and organizations in understanding and managing depression.



The Toolkit was created by experts from the Eisenberg Family Depression Center, with the help of individuals with lived experience of mood and anxiety disorders and a group of external professionals.

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Interventions to enhance mental health and wellbeing

among international college students:

A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

This recent article by PLOS ONE highlights the significant contributions that international students have to the economy and the intellectual and cultural landscape of host countries. International-domestic student interactions foster personal, socioeconomic and political development, promoting a broader understanding of diverse cultures and values.


The article highlights how crucial international education is for staying competitive globally. While the benefits are significant, individual international students often face challenges such as poor mental health, linguistic and cultural barriers, acculturative stress and limited health literacy. These challenges may become even more stressful based on the political climate around the world, which can impact visas, travel home, and more. It is imperative that our higher education campuses support their international students' academic success and well-being.

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Wellness strategies for times of political change

When a new president takes office or other political change occurs, college students can manage their mental health by adopting the following key strategies.



Maintain a healthy routine: Stick to regular sleep schedules, balanced meals, and exercise routines to provide stability during uncertain times. 


Get Good Sleep: Sleep deprivation can lead to symptoms of depression, but college students who prioritize sleep are likely to see positive effects like improvements in academic performance, their ability to concentrate while studying, and less daytime sleepiness. 


Practice mindfulness: Meditation, deep breathing exercises, and other mindfulness techniques can help manage stress and anxiety


Stay connected: Spend time with supportive friends and family, and reach out to trusted individuals to talk about your feelings. 


Limit exposure to overwhelming news: Stay informed through reliable sources, but avoid excessive exposure to negative news that can exacerbate anxiety. 


Engage in open dialogue: If comfortable, have respectful conversations with peers about political views to foster understanding and reduce tension.


Seek professional support: Utilize campus counseling services or mental health professionals if you are experiencing significant stress, anxiety, or emotional distress


Identify coping mechanisms: Find healthy ways to manage stress, like creative hobbies, journaling, or spending time in nature. 


Be aware of potential triggers: Recognize situations or topics that might trigger strong emotional responses and develop strategies to manage them. 


Focus on self-compassion: Be kind to yourself and acknowledge that experiencing emotions during political transitions is normal. 

Mark Your Calendars

Time to Talk Day

Thursday, February 6, 2025

Time to Talk Day is an internationally recognized event dedicated to encouraging conversations about mental health. It aims to break down stigma, raise awareness, and create open spaces for individuals of all ages to discuss their well-being. By fostering understanding and support, Time to Talk Day helps normalize mental health conversations and promotes a more compassionate, connected global community.

Grow Your Behavioral Health Career In Illinois


The Illinois Behavioral Health Workforce Center Job Board is a FREE resource for exciting career opportunities across urban, suburban and rural settings statewide. Whether you are pursuing a degree, a certificate, or starting your career journey, Illinois has a place for you.

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ICC TAC Directors

Anita Sego, PhD, MCHES (she/her)

Director

SIU School of Medicine

319 E Madison St., Ste 4M | Springfield, IL 62701


Email: asego99@siumed.edu

Phone: 217.545.7543

Brittany Tolar, LCSW (she/her)

Deputy Director

University of Illinois Chicago

1040 W Harrison St. | ETMSW Rm 4406, MC 309 | Chicago, IL 60607


Email: btolar2@uic.edu

Phone: 312.355.4847

EXPLORE THE BLOG

The Importance of quality sleep for college students

According to the American College Health Association (ACHA), sleep is a significant concern for college students, and there is a pressing need for more awareness of the connection between mental health and sleep quality.


For students to learn more effectively and enjoy mental clarity, robust productivity, motivation and overall well-being, sufficient high-quality sleep is essential.

Read more

Questions? Contact us at icctac@siumed.edu | Visit us at icctac.org