The upcoming Presidential Inauguration on January 20th is anything but a formality; it is a moment in time that captures the deeply intertwined nature of governance, culture, and collective identity so succinctly. To many, it represents hope and renewal, while to others, it may signal uncertainty, fear, or sociopolitical stress. During these polarized times, the effects of such national moments are deeply felt across communities, large and small alike, representing the complexities of diverse beliefs, backgrounds, and experiences.
At Give an Hour, we recognize the profound effects that sociopolitical events can have on mental health. We are an organization committed to addressing human-made trauma, so for us, this is not a political moment; it is a human one. It is about how we navigate our differences, find common ground, and hold space for one another’s humanity, even in disagreement.
The American Psychological Association reports that more than two-thirds of Americans consider the future of our nation in politics and civil society to be a source of significant stress. This statistic leads us to a really important reality – the impact of sociopolitical dynamics reaches well beyond the headlines and into our workplaces, families, and personal health. It is in this context that Give an Hour strives to bring hope and resilience, providing some sense of how to navigate these tumultuous times.
Hope is a pan-human need—a bridge reaching toward the future that sustains us when adversity besets us. But sociopolitical stress overclouds this hope to such a degree that neither individual nor society is able to see beyond fears or frustrations of the moment. And it is mutual respect and understanding that light the pathway to healing and connection. Let me clarify that respect does not mean agreement; it is about acknowledgment. It is to see the intrinsic value of every human being regardless of their sex, gender identity, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, socioeconomic background, ability, or political camp / affiliation.
Respect means being aware that everyone forms their worldview around different experiences. A military family struggling with deployment, a young professional trying to cope with bias at work or a survivor of mass violence struggling to find a voice in the wake of tragedy – let their stories not be ridiculed but heard in empathy. Give an Hour empowers people to take back their stories and rebuild their lives, no matter the circumstance.
Give an Hour provides practical, yet compassionate resources and strategies to help individuals cope with sociopolitical stress. These tools are not only designed to build individual resilience but also constructive engagement within the family, workplace, and community. Three of the key resources we provide include the following:
Sociopolitical Stressors on Mental Health: Understanding the Impact & How to Cope
This resource focuses on addressing the mental health toll of sociopolitical events, which often manifest as anxiety, stress, and even depression.
Strategies:
- Immediate Coping Mechanisms:
- Limit Media Exposure: Establish specific times to check the news, avoiding doom-scrolling and sensational content.
- Create a Safe Space: Specify a space at home or work that is used when one is overwhelmed.
- Engage in Physical Activity: Make use of exercise to release pent-up stress and reinstate balance in life.
- Long-Term Resilience:
- Encourage Emotional Awareness: Identify and label your emotions associated with sociopolitical stressors to decrease their intensity.
- Build Social Connections: Draw on support networks to share experiences and reduce feelings of isolation.
Why It Matters:
According to the American Psychological Association (APA) highlights that sociopolitical events rank as one of Americans’ most common stressors, with over 68% reporting increased anxiety related to election seasons. Proactively taking steps to reduce these stressors can help protect mental health and stability during uncertain times.
Approaching Controversial Sociopolitical Topics in the Workplace
This tool includes ways to engage in respectful conversations and set boundaries in the workplace to maintain productivity and civility.
Strategies:
- Creating a Respectful Environment:
- Establish Ground Rules: Encourage conversations that are fact-based discussions that are solution-oriented.
- Foster Unity: Emphasize shared goals and values, such as teamwork and organizational mission, rather than ‘divisive’ issues.
- Practical Communication Techniques:
- Practice Active Listening: Reflect back on what colleagues say to ensure clarity and understanding.
- Keep the Spotlight on Work Priorities: If the conversation starts to become too heated, refocus on shared objectives.
- Supporting Mental Health in the Workplace:
- Access to EAP Resources: Refer the employee to more detailed mental health resources.
- Provide Training: Provide training on conflict resolution and stress management as empowering a resource.
Why It Matters:
Workplaces are a melting pot of perspectives, and addressing those dynamics thoughtfully can prevent conflicts while cultivating a culture of inclusion. For instance, a statistic provided by SHRM is that 49% of employees avoid discussing controversial topics because they fear tension in the workplace. Equipping employees with methods for respectful communication can positively affect collaboration and morale.
Approaching Controversial Sociopolitical Topics with Family & Friends
This tool encourages reflective and empathetic interaction with family, friends, and with loved ones, especially during emotionally charged and sensitive times.
Strategies:
- Cultivating Positive Communication:
- Use “I” Statements: Share your feelings without placing blame, such as, “I feel concerned about this issue because…”
- Show Empathy: Acknowledge others’ feelings and experiences, even if you disagree.
- Setting and Respecting Boundaries:
- Be Clear About Limits: Let others know which topics are off-limits for you and respect their boundaries as well.
- Choose the Right Timing: Avoid discussing divisive topics during high-stress situations or gatherings.
- Building Connection Through Dialogue:
- Ask Open-Ended Questions: Invite others to share their perspectives without fear of judgment.
- Focus on Common Ground: Highlight shared values to foster connection and reduce polarization.
Why It Matters:
Engaging with loved ones on controversial topics is a powerful way to strengthen relationships and promote mutual understanding. Research shows that 75% of individuals believe meaningful conversations about differing viewpoints can improve relationships when handled thoughtfully.
At the heart of these tools is a sense of hope, such a big part of Give an Hour’s mission: the ability to envision, even in the face of setbacks, ways forward – through professional mental health services or open conversations with others and peers. These tools are not about survival in divisive times, but thriving through resilience, understanding, and shared commitment to collective well-being.
By weaving these practices into daily life, individuals will be able to handle the stress of sociopolitical tension and create stronger, more resonant relationships, while building an environment where all voices can be heard and respected. These tools remind us that no matter how polarized the times, there is always a pathway back to connection, understanding, and healing.
Beyond the tools – the experience within human diversity is in itself, a challenge and strength. It means learning to work with tensions as one celebrates the richness of perspective. To some, the forthcoming inauguration may be a call to action; to others, it might mean a source of unease. To acknowledge such varied reactions without undermining their validity is an important means of fostering a culture of respect.
At Give an Hour, we believe healing starts with acknowledgment. Within every story, there is pain, hope, and resilience to form a foundation on which to grow. We encourage you to share our resources, connect in a peer support group, and seek out therapy when you need it most. It’s not about coping; it’s about thriving – taking those moments of stress and making them opportunities for connection and understanding.
As this great nation looks toward a new chapter ahead, let us remember that our shared humanity is more profound than any political divide. Respect and empathy are not partisan values; they are human values. They remind us that we are stronger together, united not by uniformity but by a collective commitment to hope, healing, and understanding.
Give an Hour invites you to join us in this mission of hope. Share our tools with your family, friends, and colleagues. Start the conversations that matter. Most importantly, hold onto hope, even when the path forward feels uncertain. Together, we can build a future where every individual feels seen, supported, and valued.
Ryan Young is a dynamic advocate for mental health, blending creativity, leadership, and personal passion to make a difference. With a foundation in Art and Digital Movie Production studies, Ryan launched his career in the fast-paced world of New York City, gaining invaluable experience in retail management & nonprofit, later bringing his expertise to Tampa, Florida.
Ryan’s personal encounters with profound loss—including losing a loved one to suicide and the Pulse Mass shooting tragedy—became the driving forces behind his dedication to mental health advocacy. These experiences inspired his mission to reduce stigma and improve access to care, a commitment he channels as Marketing & Social Media Manager for Give an Hour. Here, Ryan employs storytelling and community engagement to foster connection and hope, ensuring mental health resources reach those in need.
