{"681897":{"#nid":"681897","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Coping With Uncertainty\u202f ","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EBeing a college student can be an opportunity for deep insight, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and the realization of one\u2019s untapped potential. At times, college can be an intense and demanding journey \u2014 rendered more challenging by societal factors beyond the boundaries of campus. 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. \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EFortunately, a range of strategies can help individuals be resilient and respond to uncertain times in healthy ways, according to Vidal Annan, senior director of the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/mentalhealth.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ECenter for Mental Health Care and Resources\u003C\/a\u003E at Georgia Tech.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESociopolitical 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 that stem from awareness of and exposure to these events can lead to mental health concerns such as anxiety, anger, and depression.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe human system is generally able to handle stress by temporarily switching into fight-or-flight mode,\u201d Annan said. \u201cHowever, 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.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAccording to a\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/36084244\/\u0022\u003Erecent study\u003C\/a\u003E published by the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.nih.gov\/\u0022\u003ENational Institutes of Health\u003C\/a\u003E, college students reported high levels of stress regarding the most recent U.S. elections. The study also found that higher sociopolitical stress predicted more depression for students.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESo, with a constant flood of information and heightened global tensions, how can students cope?\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe best solution to uncertainty is certainty. But sometimes certainty is hard to come by or it may not be in one\u2019s favor,\u201d Annan said. \u201cIn those cases, it is important to manage the emotions that we have in response to the uncertainty.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAnnan recommends several techniques that can help students \u2014 or anyone \u2014 find healthy ways to respond to stressful situations, including:\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EManage your exposure to news and social media. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIt is important to stay aware and up to date on what is happening in the world, but it is just as vital not to become overwhelmed with news and social media posts. Limit your exposure to these sources of information if needed and try not to get caught up in doom-scrolling.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EEngage in self-care activities regularly.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EStress management involves engaging in regular self-care activities. These include regular sleep, eating, 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.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EManage your interactions with others (with different viewpoints).\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESocializing is a healthy, resilience-building activity, but if it leads to heated conversations that cause stress, try to limit those interactions. Instead, focus on sharing common interests.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIf you\u2019d like to improve your capacity to discuss different ideas and beliefs, take the online course called \u201cPerspectives,\u201d developed by the Constructive Dialogue Institute. This asynchronous course is available at no cost to all Georgia Tech students. Email\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022mailto:vp_sewb@gatech.edu\u0022\u003Evp_sewb@gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E to receive a link to the course.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EAvoid paralysis by analysis.\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen we get stressed, the mind may try to \u201cproblem-solve\u201d by repeatedly revisiting difficult topics and exploring any and every outcome, especially the negative ones. This overthinking is unhealthy, unhelpful, and only produces more feelings of stress. Instead, try to catch yourself when you are overthinking. Ask yourself, \u201cIs this a topic that I can solve by constantly thinking about it?\u201d If not, take a deep breath and try to refocus on more neutral or engaging topics.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EEngage in self-compassion.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EResearch shows that when, in times of stress, we treat ourselves with kindness and remember that we are human, it can provide relief. Extending grace to oneself \u2014 by forgiving mistakes, accepting vulnerability, and recognizing areas for growth \u2014 is a form of compassion. \u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETake proactive and constructive action.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIs there a safe and responsible action 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.\u0026nbsp;Instead of worrying, which generates no results, develop a list of concrete actions you can take; even small steps can be meaningful.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESeek professional support.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/h4\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAlways remember that help is available. If you feel that the stress is affecting your mental health and functioning, reach out to the Center for Mental Health Care and Resources. \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cThe only constant in life is change, and change can make us feel uncertain,\u201d Annan said. \u201cHow 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.\u201d\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EStudents can access\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/mentalhealth.gatech.edu\/resources\/students\/student-mental-health-resources\u0022\u003Ea variety of on- and off-campus mental health support\u003C\/a\u003E services, including counseling, peer coaching, wellness coaching, and mindfulness programming.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EStudents 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. to 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 the\u0026nbsp;\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/police.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003EGeorgia Tech Police\u003C\/a\u003E Department at 404.894.2500 on campus or 911 off campus.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003EBeing a college student can be an intense and demanding journey, and this experience can become even more challenging with changes in the larger society. This uncertainty can affect academic performance and well-being and sometimes lead to mental health concerns.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"There are a range of strategies that can help individuals to be resilient and respond to uncertain times in healthy ways. "}],"uid":"36479","created_gmt":"2025-04-18 14:41:37","changed_gmt":"2025-06-16 14:16:46","author":"abowman41","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2025-04-18T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2025-04-18T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"676878":{"id":"676878","type":"image","title":"DSCF1686.jpeg","body":null,"created":"1744987323","gmt_created":"2025-04-18 14:42:03","changed":"1744987323","gmt_changed":"2025-04-18 14:42:03","alt":"Students walk outside the John Lewis Student Center","file":{"fid":"260725","name":"DSCF1686.jpeg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/04\/18\/DSCF1686.jpeg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/04\/18\/DSCF1686.jpeg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":15329283,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/04\/18\/DSCF1686.jpeg?itok=09wl-N3I"}}},"media_ids":["676878"],"groups":[{"id":"428961","name":"Health and Well-Being"},{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"652360","name":"Student Engagement and Well-Being"},{"id":"1269","name":"Student Life"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[{"id":"193493","name":"Center for Mental Health Care and Resources"},{"id":"10343","name":"mental health"},{"id":"14490","name":"uncertainty"},{"id":"188164","name":"Student Engagement and Well-being"}],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[{"id":"71871","name":"Campus and Community"}],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[{"value":"\u003Ch3\u003EAuthors:\u003C\/h3\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EVidal Annan and Luoluo Hong\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003Cbr\u003EStudent Engagement and Well-Being\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}}}