War, terrorism and even bouts of violence have a way of putting a strain on our already fragile mental health, and with the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, mental exhaustion is not far away.
Everyone reacts differently to trauma. Some people get sad; some feel intense fear, anger, sadness and grief. These feelings are normal, and I daresay, healthy.
These feelings can become enfeebling and intense, so much so that they impair your ability to function in daily life. They might result in apathy, disorientation, feeling powerless, depression, crying for no apparent reason, anxiety, etc.
Health issues like headaches, difficulty in sleeping, loss of appetite and stomach problems might start cropping up.
Not far behind would be drugs, alcohol and even overeating as a means to numb pain or be distracted.
For me, it was intense fear and anxiety, which led to sleeping problems.
Upon reflection, I realised the impending apocalypse, sort of, doesn’t mean my mental health should be in shambles. So, I started working on how to protect my mental health and keep myself sane.
Doing these things helped me and still help me cope. I know they’ll help you too.
1. Talking about it.
Discussing your feelings about the war with other people helps. You’d find out that many others feel the same way. One useful tip is to steer the conversation into positives. Talk more about how things will get better and how it’s only for a little while.
2. Limit exposure to images of war
In this social media era, this might be difficult, but you’ll have to try. Avoid war posts, skip reels, WhatsApp statuses, even television programs. Steer clear of triggers as much as you can.
3. Do something positive.
Make an impact, no matter how small. Help people. We feel better when we help others. Give blood when you can, write letters to men and women in the military appreciating them, send packages and gifts. In essence, touch their lives in whatever way you can. You’ll start to feel the weight being lifted off your shoulders.
4. Take care of yourself.
This goes without saying. Eat right. Avoid foods that are high in fat and calories, take that walk. Get plenty of rest and exercise. Not too much rest that you’ll feel depressed and not too little that you’ll burn out. Avoid recreational drugs and excessive drinking.
For me, taking care of myself also involved getting lost in a book or a good movie. You can try these too.
5. Ask for help.
Many people see asking for help as a sign of weakness. It isn’t. You should ask for help when you need it. If your issues with war become debilitating and you can’t handle them by yourself, then you should seek help. Talk to a trusted relative or friend. You can also seek out a professional.
Having feelings of despair and sadness is normal for this period we are in. It is more than prudent, though, to seek help when it starts affecting your daily life.
