The past several years have not been easy. People are worried about large-scale events like political tension, social, racial, and justice conflicts; the worldwide epidemic; and the war that has just escalated. That being said, if you’re feeling especially worried about the prospect of war today, you’re not alone.
But you can learn to manage your anxiety with the correct resources and knowledge.
If the prospect of conflict has left you feeling helpless, fatigued, and anxious, the following advice may help.
The War Effect on Humans
It’s natural to feel stressed out during times of war, and given that this war is taking place during one of the most collectively tense periods in recent history, it’s understandable that you’re having a harder time than usual. Feelings of discomfort, dread, and anxiety are normal responses to events like the crisis in Ukraine or the prospect of World War III.
When exposed to combat reporting or imagery, many people experience anxiety. The news of the fighting appears to hit us harder since it follows a pandemic. This might be contributing to the fact that we’re all worn out, anxious, and feeling completely out of control. According to most respondents, the Russian invasion of Ukraine was a very stressful event.
What do the studies reveal?
Concerns about mass violence have yet to be fully understood, and this uncertainty has delayed the development of effective responses. A group of Finnish researchers looked at the effects of nuclear warfare anxiety on young people and discovered an elevated risk for common mental illnesses five years later. A person’s propensity to worry may be fed by their desire to watch news reports about disasters.
War anxiety symptoms
War dread can build gradually or be triggered suddenly. Symptoms might be mental or physical. Anxiety can cause a racing heart, stomach butterflies, nausea, and dizziness. Some people get panic attacks. Others suffer from overwhelming worry, insomnia, or nightmares. Some worry is really good since it alerts your body to a hazard.
Coping Strategies for War Anxiety
Some tactics might help you break the anxious cycle when your thoughts are stuck in battle, and you’re also experiencing physical symptoms like muscular tightness and heart palpitations.
- Control your use of social media.
- Try reaching out to people; doing so may help you feel less alone and powerless.
- Do some meditation and deep breathing exercises.
War anxiety symptoms peak and then fade for most people. Severe anxiety symptoms may require further care since disputes might elicit memories of prior trauma. If war anxiety affects your job, sleep, or well-being, talk to your doctor about counseling or medication.