Managing the Mental Health Impact of Sociopolitical Uncertainty and Targeted Hate
Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash
You don’t need me to tell you that we’re living in uncertain times. But you know what is helpful? Having someone objectively remind you that the 385 ridiculous things you seem to see and feel each day is completely within the ‘realm of reasonableness’ these days.
I know you probably get tired of hearing this, but yes it’s true, it seems as though we’re living in constant unprecedented times. Whether it’s interpersonal division, crappy economics, climate change, socioeconomic division, or harmful global social change. You name it—we seem to be dealing with it.
From the constant barrage of political news to the rise of social media echo chambers, it feels like we're constantly bombarded with information that’s pulling us apart rather than bringing us together. It's no wonder that many of us are feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and even hopeless sometimes.
No blog article or training can make the world enter a perpetual state of kumbaya, but here’s what I’d like to do in this article: explore the mental health impact of this divisive climate and offer practical strategies for ‘taking the edge off’, starting at work.
THE MENTAL HEALTH TOLL OF A DIVIDED WORLD
It’s hard to escape the feeling that we're living in a world on the brink.
The news cycle has our stress levels on high alert at all times—there is a constant stream of crises, from political polarization to climate change. It's easy to feel like there's nothing we can do to ease the discomfort of uncertainty.
"Here, office-dweller, operate this chainsaw. Wait, you almost forgot your blindfold."
I don't know about you but, for me, this sense of powerlessness can lead to heightened anxiety levels and, at times, feelings of despair. Like I’m constantly being zapped. The erosion of trust in institutions and leaders has taken a toll and the framework of "trying to do the right thing" seems to have been replaced by a cynical worldview where everyone is out for themselves. This belief can lead to a sense of moral fatigue, as we all grapple with the complexities of ethical dilemmas and political unrest.
Without the proper tools, living with a constant sense of uncertainty can (and usually does) lead to chronic stress and have consequences on your mental health. It's like your body is stuck in a perpetual fight-or-flight mode (our amygdalas must all collectively hate us these days), which isn't exactly ideal for maintaining a positive outlook. I promise this is not a doom and gloom article. As uncomfortable as the current situations are, we'll explore why it's important to have productive conversations surrounding them along with a strong uncertainty tolerance.
THE TOLL OF TRIBALISM
It's no secret that [un]social media has amplified the tendency to form tight-knit groups based on shared beliefs and values (i.e. in groups and out groups). While it's natural to seek connection with like-minded individuals, excessive "tribalism" can have negative consequences for your mental health, and the mental health of others who experience that exclusive. It can highlight the stress of uncertainty and lead to increased polarization, reduced empathy for opposing viewpoints, and heighten your sense of isolation and threat.
All of this unrest, fear and fatigue can lead to social isolation as people withdraw from activities and peer groups where they no longer feel comfortable.
The constant barrage of information about conflict—whether it's the Israeli-Palestinian conflict or domestic ideological battles—can also contribute to mental health struggles. It's like watching a car crash in slow motion, and it's hard to look away, because the crashing cars might be coming in your direction. As with any bad event, this can lead to conflict fatigue or burnout (i.e., a state of emotional exhaustion caused by prolonged exposure to conflict).
DEALING WITH UNCERTAINTY IN THE WORKPLACE
Now let's be good little doobies and pretend nothing is wrong during our working hours Monday - Friday. 🤪Right….?
No, I’m VERY MUCH kidding.
Countless workplaces are struggling to address the mental health impact of these issues. And to be honest, many workplaces are remaining silent because these hot-button topics are so incendiary that they’re concerned any mention of them will result in lawsuit, after lawsuit, after lawsuit. Hmm, I wish someone advised companies on how to have conversations about the mental health impact of social division in the workplace….(picture me, pointing at myself, right now, grinning….because I urge businesses to do this so they can have these conversations).
Anyway, back to it. With a focus on productivity and profitability and the fear of liability, companies often shy away from discussing sensitive topics like politics and social issues. This leaves employees feeling isolated and unsupported. And honestly, resentful.
Companies often forget that when it comes to discussing social issues in the workplace, it’s not about taking sides and stating an opinion, but rather to provide a space for support and constructive discourse, for those who may need it. And most importantly - getting them support resources too.
A 2023 study published in the Harvard Business Review found that employees who feel supported by their employers are more likely to be engaged and productive.1 Want to know a great way to make your workforce feel unsupported? Be completely silent about easily observable dumpster fires happening around the world and how it’s impacting your employees and leaders.
CHANGE THE CONVERSATION: STRATEGIES FOR THE WORKPLACE
While we can't control the world around us, we can control how we respond to it. If your employer or boss has no desire to, is afraid to, or won’t broach this topic - you have to take your mental health into your own hands and do what you need to take the edge off of the swirling vortex around you.
Here are some strategies for managing the mental health impacts associated with these challenging times while at work:
Establish a Routine: Creating a daily routine can bring a sense of normalcy amidst chaos. Incorporate activities that nurture your physical and mental health, such as regular exercise, healthy meals, and sufficient sleep. A structured day with achievable goals can help you feel more in control and less overwhelmed, helping you to keep an open mind as you start your workday. I know this sounds overrated, but trust me, the machine (i.e. your body) literally can’t even hope to function mentally or cognitively if you don’t fuel it up the right way.
Promote a Proactive Mindset: Speaking of feeling a sense of control, try to focus your energy on things you can control (your own thoughts, actions, and behaviors), and let go of things you can't. According to Stephen Covey, this is the key to being proactive and taking charge of your life.2 And, while this is a learned and practiced skill, it sure does come in handy during uncertain and stressful times.
Limit News Consumption: The 24-hour news cycle can be overwhelming. Consider limiting your news consumption to specific times of the day and relying on trusted sources. Personally, I only watch the news when I have my morning coffee, and not even every day!
Build Bridges: Instead of focusing on differences, try to find common ground with people who hold different views. This can help to reduce polarization and foster a sense of community.
Prioritize Mental Wellbeing: Make time for your Mental Wellbeing Non-Negotiables™️. Bonus points if those include activities that promote relaxation and stress reduction, such as dedicated time for laughter, exercise, or spending time in nature.
Embrace Uncertainty: Accepting that uncertainty is a constant in life—one of the few certainties—can help to reduce anxiety. Behavioral scientists literally taught us this in late 2020 so we didn’t collectively lose our s**t when the pandemic broke out. I implore you to focus on building resilience and adaptability and increase your tolerance of uncertainty.
Create a Safe Container for Difficult or Heavy Conversations: Remember, you're not alone in feeling overwhelmed by the state of the world. As I wrote in my book, having an awareness of what people mentally and experientially bring into work has always been important, but is more crucial now than ever.
WE’VE GOT THIS
I hope you can take away a few tools from this article that will allow you to approach today and the foreseeable tomorrows with a renewed sense of hope (even if it’s just a tiny bit). All is not lost. Turmoil in the present does not doom us for eternity and, by taking steps (whether from this list or your own) to manage your mental health, you will be better equipped to navigate these challenging times. You’ve got this. We’ve got this.
READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP?
If you feel that your employees or teammates could use some guidance in navigating this tumultuous climate, let’s chat about my Navigating Uncertainty & Change workshop. I would be honored to support you as you strive to hold meaningful conversations at work, especially during trying times.
