Worried about conflict and world events?
Blog by Juliet Perschky (Reach Out Service Coordinator)
While we can be moved by particular conflicts and individual circumstances either through direct impact on our own families and culture or in the wider sense as a member of the global community, we are potentially being exposed to images displaying atrocity, bringing the sights and sounds of devastating tragedy vividly into our homes and minds.
Whether this is about what is happening in Israel and Palestine, Ukraine, successive environmental disasters or the impact of Covid 19, the enduring impact of such distress is widespread.
Naturally our thoughts and compassion are for the people enduring such devastating circumstances and challenges to survive. However, regular exposure to a sense of collective trauma bearing witness to conflict and slaughter can potentially increase our own anxiety and personal sense of security at school, work, or home.
Feel upset and angry?
If you feel you have been affected by what’s happening or what you’ve seen in the news, here are some things to consider if you are feeling upset, angry, scared or hopeless, or alternatively impassioned and motivated to get involved and respond to appeals for assistance and donations.
These are all normal and very human reactions to such significant events. There is no right or wrong way to be feeling, your feelings are yours and as such, completely valid. It’s usual to feel teary, irritable, angry, confused, tired or a bit numb. You may experience symptoms of anxiety, feel shaky or find it hard to stop thinking about events.
It’s important to be kind to yourself, make a mental note of how you are feeling, consider talking to others about how you’re feeling and how others are experiencing these events. This can be someone you trust, whether that’s a friend, family member, or faith leader, or alternatively reach out to a telephone or web-chat support line to speak in confidence without judgement about how you’re feeling. Know that you’re not alone and there are people who want to listen and help where they can.
Sources of support
For further support around managing anxiety please explore support of Anxiety UK:
For a range of resources regarding different types of anxiety, nutrition and anxiety, medication concerns, and supporting others including children. Site provides further information regarding an online weekly support group and telephone helpline and text and web-chat support.
Helpline: 03444 775 774 Text support: 07537 416 905 (Open Mon-Fri 10:30-16:30)
Reach Out – online web-chat available weekdays from 9.00am – 3.00pm where you can chat in confidence to a member of a friendly team who are there to listen, chat and make suggestions of ways forward for your concerns.
Is it time for time away from screens?
Cutting down on exposure to social media and the news may be beneficial to help restore balance and allow time to focus on other connections and activities. It can be helpful to think about how listening to the news and seeing images makes you feel at the time and consider limiting or shielding yourself from excessive exposure.
Consider re-focusing on self-care needs for inspiration and guidance to improve mental health and well-being please see the “5 steps to wellbeing” link below to encourage connection with others, being active, learning new skills, giving to others and paying attention in the present/mindfulness.
It may also not be as simple as taking a break from the news, if directly affected you may need to keep your phone with you and keep in regular contact with friends and family for updates and support and seek support of organisations like:
International Committee of the Red Cross
The International Committee of the Red Cross ICRC has mental health and psychosocial support programmes across the world. These respond to the needs of different groups affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence, including.
- Families of the missing
- Hospital patients suffering weapon wounds
- Frontline healthcare workers
- People in detention
- Detainees who have endured ill-treatment
- Survivors of sexual violence
- People who lose a limb in war
- Those forced to flee their homes and start over in a community or country that is not their own.
For those who are displaced from their communities:
Safe in Our world:
Collated list of Palestine & Israel crisis lines for anyone affected, both directly and indirectly.
Migrant helpline:
Lists details of 24/7 Asylum Helpline on 0808 8010503 and information regarding Human trafficking and modern slavery support and support for re-settlement enquiries.
Guidance and resources for UK nationals in the UK and UK nationals in Ukraine along with links to immigration advice and the Home for Ukraine Scheme.
Hate Crime:
For those who are experiencing hate crimes including racism: www.stophateuk.org/report-hate-crime; A hate crime is when someone is targeted, bullied or abused because of their identity. If you’ve been the victim of a hate crime, or you’ve seen it happen to someone else, you can report the incident and find support through Stop Hate UK. Remember, no hate crime is too big or too small to report. You deserve to feel proud of who you are, and you deserve to feel safe.
Cultural & Religious Bereavement practices:
For those who are suffering bereavement and loss: Bereavement-Practices-Jan-2021.pdf (england.nhs.uk); Guide includes awareness of bereavement practices broken down by religion and culture, links for bereavement support and learning resources.
Workers in crisis support roles:
For those (often in ‘front-line’ roles) who are experiencing vicarious trauma: www.headington-institute.org
Childline UK:
Support for young people aged 19 and under, support available 24/7 online, over the phone and by e-mail and message boards. Chat in confidence with a counsellor on a one-to-one basis. Website has information and advice, Toolbox resources and link to a calm zone.
Call 0800 1111
For Information about International Helplines:
Child Helplines – Child Helpline International
Want to learn more about helping out in times of conflict and crisis?
Safe in Our world – information regarding all the charities supporting those affected by war.
Safe In Our World Safe in Our World – Mental Health Charity – About Us