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A recent survey found that 65% of college students are stressed and/or anxious about the upcoming U.S. presidential election. Following unrest and protests on many college campuses in the spring, more than half of students said engaging in political dialogue affects their mental health. With many decisions to be made in the coming months that will impact students in the short and long term, how can institutions of higher education support students’ mental health during a time of uncertainty?
The webinar, “Calming the Chaos – Supporting Student Mental Health Amid Political Uncertainty,” part of TimelyCare’s Gen Ztressed webinar series, brought together experts in higher education and mental health advocacy to discuss strategies for supporting civic engagement on campus while protecting student mental health. NBC News Digital Reporter Maya Eaglin moderated the panel discussion, including:
- Makini I. Austin, LPC, CPCS, Director, Wellness Center, Agnes Scott College
- Dr. Vanessa Jenkins, Executive Director of Health and Wellness, Norfolk State University
- Dr. Shane Chaplin, Executive Director Counseling and Psychological Services, Carnegie Mellon University
Student mental health challenges during this election year
Students face uncertainty and fear about the future in today’s politically charged climate. They often feel the urge to act immediately on issues they’re passionate about but are simultaneously anxious about the unknown and potential challenges that lie ahead. Conflict resolution, self-expression, and uncertainty management are critical areas in which students seek support.
Chaplin has seen a rise in anxiety and depression among students; however, he is encouraged that today’s students are more likely to seek help and recognize their need for mental health support. He finds their anxiety often stems from a fear of failure and perfectionism.
Students are asking, ‘What’s the point?’
Eaglin, a Gen Z reporter for “Stay Tuned” at NBC News, said one of the biggest things she hears from other Gen Z’ers is, ‘What’s the point?’.
‘What’s the point in voting? What’s the point of getting good grades? What’s the point in staying active on campus and maintaining my social life when I just feel exhausted?’ These are examples of questions she hears often.
Many young people feel overwhelmed by the pressures of school, social life, and a world full of crises that seem beyond their control.
Jenkins said connection is a crucial component to managing feelings of overwhelm and exhaustion. While it can be easy to isolate and retreat, staying engaged can offer a support system. At the same time, she said it is important to know when to protect your personal space and set boundaries for engaging with others.
Chaplin added that while Gen Z is driven by a desire to change the world, they are also inundated with political, environmental, and social crises that can make their efforts futile.
“Finding spaces for people to connect and to find ways to lift students’ voices to get them to feel empowered, to take action, to really differentiate between what it is that they can control and what it is that they can’t,” said Chaplin. “That feels like such important work.”
He emphasized that empowering students to find strength in community will ultimately help them navigate the chaos of today’s world without feeling paralyzed.
Strategies students can use for coping with stress
There are several ways that students can manage stress during election season, including staying informed in moderation, engaging in respectful conversations, practicing self-care, and setting boundaries around political content:
Setting boundaries
During an election year, setting boundaries around news consumption is crucial for managing stress and anxiety, especially for Gen Z, who are deeply concerned about the future.
Chaplin suggests that students limit the number of platforms where they consume news to just one or two and set specific times of day to check them. This approach helps to prevent constant exposure to overwhelming information.
Jenkins echoed this, emphasizing the importance of students not allowing news alerts to flood their phones all day, as it can quickly lead to anxiety. Instead, she advises designating fixed times to consume news from reliable sources.
Austin added that scheduling news consumption, just like scheduling class or study time, creates structure and balance. Instead of allowing a constant stream of information, having dedicated times to engage with the news can help students maintain focus and protect their mental health during politically charged periods.
Find community
When searching for community on campus, it’s essential to start by identifying personal values and interests.
Chaplin suggests beginning with what’s personally meaningful and then taking action, even if it feels uncomfortable. He emphasized the importance of students trying new things, learning from the experience, and not letting fear of failure hold them back.
Jenkins discussed utilizing digital platforms where students can easily find clubs, activities, and events aligned with their interests. This helps students get involved and find their community.
Austin highlights the need for campus leaders to actively promote opportunities for students to connect, recognizing that many students may not know where to start. Advertising these events and resources is key to ensuring students are aware of what’s available.
Practice self-care
Austin suggested having a wellness routine can help students recognize when something is off. By tracking habits like sleep, diet, and exercise, students can spot disruptions early. However, she cautions against making routines overly rigid, which can become another source of stress. Instead, setting realistic goals that allow for flexibility is key. This way, missing a task, like journaling or working out, won’t lead to unnecessary guilt or the urge to abandon the routine altogether.
Austin encouraged students to shift their focus away from perfectionism and toward manageable, realistic self-care practices.
Recognize when it’s time to seek help
Recognizing when it’s time to seek professional help is essential for students navigating mental health challenges. Jenkins explains how feelings of overwhelm can lead students to take action.
“When it begins to take over your day-to-day life, when it’s just constant regardless of what you do, who you talk to – your friends or your family – you need to reach out to someone who is a professional in that field to really sit down and talk,” said Jenkins.
If the mental burden is constant and interferes with day-to-day functioning, reaching out to a counselor or therapist can be crucial for finding relief.
Ensure your campus has the right tools this election season
Strategies higher ed administrators can use to help students manage stress
Higher education administrators can support students during election seasons by promoting open dialogue, providing mental health resources, encouraging civic engagement fostering an inclusive campus environment:
Encourage respectful dialogue
Navigating difficult conversations, especially in a divided climate, can be challenging for students, but fostering respectful dialogue is key.
Jenkins highlighted the importance of higher education administrators setting a foundation for these discussions by presenting students with various scenarios around freedom of speech and disagreement. By engaging students in these tough conversations early, particularly through challenging case studies, they learn how to handle opposing views respectfully while still representing their own beliefs.
Chaplin added that these skills are more crucial than ever, given the national landscape, and emphasized the need for ground rules that promote empathy, respect, and inclusive participation in these discussions.
Austin shared a unique approach of guiding students through mindfulness practices before engaging in conversations, allowing them to approach discussions from a calm and centered space. Teaching students how to advocate for their beliefs, while maintaining respect, builds the foundation for ongoing, meaningful dialogue.
Ultimately, as Eaglin pointed out, seeing the humanity in others, even amidst disagreement, is essential. Conversations aren’t always about changing minds but about truly hearing and understanding each other.
“You might really disagree with this person,” said Eaglin. “Stripping it down and going into the vibe of ‘I see you as a human. I may disagree with you, but let’s talk about it.’ It’s not always going to change your mind but it’s okay to hear someone out.”
Curate safe spaces for connection
Campuses are working hard to create spaces where students can connect, feel empowered, and support one another beyond traditional mental health services.
Chaplin said these spaces should be judgment-free, safe spaces where students can express their emotions and access support.
Jenkins said Norfolk State University offers peer education programs, including Active Minds, which play a key role in helping students learn how to extend mental health support to each other.
Austin suggested that peer support groups are incredibly important, including those designed specifically for athletes and students of color, which foster a sense of community. Additionally, integrating group therapy into individual service offerings has been transformative at Agnes Scott College, giving students more touchpoints and encouraging peer connection. Initially met with hesitation, Austin said students quickly realized the value of these group therapy spaces.
“Every student was like, ‘Why haven’t I been doing this sooner? Why haven’t I been coming to this group?’” said Austin. “It even gave some of those peer spaces where students might have been a little hesitant to engage in things that were coming out of the Wellness Center that were mental health-related. That was really a game changer for us.”
Chaplin pointed out the significant expansion of group programs at Carnegie Mellon University, including workshops aimed at building skills like managing anxiety and increasing resilience. These efforts, led by student organizations and wellness initiatives, offer students vital tools for personal growth and mental health support.
Increase access and awareness of campus resources
Meeting students where they are is also important, particularly on social media, since traditional communication methods like emails may not be as effective. By leveraging platforms that students already use, campuses can better connect students to the communities and resources they need.
Train faculty and staff on student mental health
In addition to campus administration, faculty and staff are often faced with navigating tough conversations in the classroom, especially during times of political or social tension.
Jenkins highlighted the importance of preparing faculty not only to respect students’ voices but also to model respectful dialogue when challenging conversations arise. Drawing from leadership training sessions, faculty are guided on how to facilitate these discussions constructively. Additionally, faculty and staff are included in the same programming provided to students, which equips them with tools to manage difficult situations and encourages respectful advocacy.
By ensuring faculty are aware of available resources and promoting respectful discourse, campuses foster a supportive learning environment for both educators and students.
Prepare for Election Day and beyond
Many campuses are taking proactive measures to support student engagement and well-being in anticipation of Election Day.
Chaplin said Carnegie Mellon will cancel classes for what they’re calling “Democracy Day” and will create spaces for students to gather, share information on how to vote, and express their opinions.
Recognizing the emotional complexity that comes with political uncertainty, campus leaders are already planning for post-election support as well. Austin suggested preparing care packages for students with calming items like tea or sleep masks to acknowledge the students’ stress and remind them that their well-being is valued.
Jenkins echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of programs focused on “protecting wellness during political uncertainty.” By offering these resources and fostering open dialogue, campuses aim to create a safe, supportive environment, no matter the election’s outcome.
Additionally, when a change in presidential administration occurs, higher education institutions often feel the impact with policies and political shifts creating emotional responses among students. Campus leaders are preparing for similar challenges.
Chaplin suggested involving stakeholders across campus for a cross-functional approach. He talked about the need for collaboration across campus units to model a supportive, cooperative environment, rather than leaving the responsibility solely on counseling services.
Jenkins echoes this sentiment, advocating for a “culture of care” that extends beyond the counseling center, ensuring students can find support across various campus offices. Austin added that normalizing emotional responses to the political climate helps students understand that their feelings are valid.
Overall, the panelists suggest other higher ed leaders learn from past challenges and stand ready to stand by students, offering reassurance and support as they navigate uncertain times.
Help students navigate election season with the right resources
As political seasons bring heightened emotions and uncertainty, it’s crucial that campuses remain steadfast in their support of student mental health. Creating spaces for open dialogue, providing access to peer-led groups, and offering skill-building workshops are all essential components of fostering resilience and connection. By empowering students with the tools to navigate challenging times and encouraging respectful conversations, institutions can help students feel heard, supported, and prepared to face political turbulence. In doing so, campuses not only support the immediate well-being of their students but also nurture a generation of compassionate, resilient leaders equipped to handle whatever challenges lie ahead.
Contact TimelyCare to learn how you can expand your campus efforts to support student mental health and well-being.
