博88亚洲

Skip to content

Managing Political Uncertainty

About Managing Uncertainty

Dear 博88亚洲 students, faculty and staff, 

With the transition in federal administration, some may be experiencing some strong feelings of stress and anxiety. A recent national survey conducted by University of Florida researchers indicated that "more than two-thirds of registered voters describe politics as a 'source of stress'".  The news and headlines that surround us daily, along with social media posts about the cost of living, immigration, abortion and the war in Gaza amplify the feelings we have. Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is here to support you through this period of political uncertainty. Below you will learn about helpful tips to manage your feelings during this period.

Johnson, A. (Jan 31, 2024). National survey by USF researchers show voter opinions on inflation, impact of politics on mental health, election distrust and social media use.  

Tip No. 1: Unplug

  • Limit your consumption of social media and the non-stop flow of images and information.  It is important to stay informed but create boundaries to take care of yourself and maintain balance.
  • Monitor how you feel after obtaining news and information.  Information can be upsetting or can exasperate current levels of anxiety and stress.  Limit your social media engagement.
  • Consider scheduling limited periods in the morning or evening to catch up on news during the day rather than receiving constant notifications of events happening.
  • Take "digital breaks" by doing something enjoyable away from your mobile, computer, or television.  Engage in a hobby, some physical activity, outdoors in nature, or spend time with friends and family.

Tip No. 2: Be Present

  • Reflect and recognize your inner thoughts and feelings.  Be non-judgmental and allow yourself to feel the way that you do.
  • At times, avoiding can be useful but not attending to your feelings can have negative impact to your overall wellbeing.
  • Take a minute to sit and acknowledge what you are seeing, hearing, smelling, touching, and tasking.  Be in tune with your five senses.
  • Breath in and out.  Imagine that you are blowing bubbles.  Take a deep breath in through your nose and control your breath as you exhale.

Tip No. 3: Connect with Others

  • Engage with supportive friends, allies, and family members.  Talk about your feelings and communicate your boundaries.  Not everyone may share your perspective.
  • Stay curious when engaged in dialogue that is different from your viewpoint.
  • Give yourself permission to walk away from a conversation that feels uncomfortable, stressful, or heated.
  • Find ways to engage in your community and constructively advocate for what you care about.

Tip No. 4: Refuel

  • Focus on self-care and restore yourself with rest, water, and nature.
  • Eat warm nourishing foods and limit your intake of alcohol and caffeine.
  • Get physical by taking walks or doing something enjoyable that is outdoors and that increases your heartrate.
  • Journal, meditate, or engage in art.  Do something that channels your energy inward.

Tip No. 5: Do Something

  • Channel your feelings into something that is meaningful and purposeful for you.
  • Get involved in the election process.  Learn about candidates and propositions that can affect you and your community.
  • Engage with your community through volunteering and advocacy.
  • Get connected to the campus community.  Visit the Cultural and Identify Centers at the Centers for Transformation, Retention, Equity, and Empowerment (TREE).

Tip No. 6: Care for Others

  • Recognize that helping others can be highly rewarding in your overall wellbeing.  Checking in and simply asking how one is doing can have a lasting positive impact.
  • Help others get connected to resources and services.  Go together to support or to seek information for yourself as well.
  • Understand that some may not be ready to seek assistance.  Be respectful but check in regularly.  If you are concerned about someone's wellbeing, get help immediately.
  • Caring for others begins with you.  Take care of yourself and identify when you are and are not able to care for others and seek support.

Resources

If you are feeling distressed, the following on-campus and off-campus resources are available:

  • Care Center
  • Counseling and Psychological Services
  • University Police Department
    • www.cpp.edu/police 
    • (909) 869-3070 
    • Emergencies on campus
    • Emergencies off campus, dial 9-1-1
  •  988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
    •  
    • Call or text 9-8-8
  • Crisis Text Line
    •  
    • Text HOME to 741741
  •  
  • TransLifeline
    • (877) 565-8860
  • The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+)
    • (866) 488-7386
    • (866) 4 U TREVOR
    • Text START to 678678
  • Veterans Crisis Line
    •  
    • Call 9-8-8, select option 1
    • Text START to 88788
  • Employee Assistance Program (Cal Poly Pomona Faculty and Staff)

 

Quick Links

Crisis Assistance
Make an Appointment
Request a Presentation
[an error occurred while processing this directive]