Mental health during global conflict
People across the world may find they struggle with their mental health during times of global conflict. This does not affect only those in active combat — these are humanitarian crises, impacting an entire community or region and beyond. This page addresses how your mental health might be affected by major conflict events like war, terrorism, geopolitical tension, territorial disputes, and political instability.
Common emotional responses to global conflict
* Grief
* Depression and Sadness
* Fear and Anxiety
* Anger
* Guilt
All of these are completely normal, and there’s no limit to what other feelings can come up. You might experience emotions like jealousy, pride, embarrassment, hope, and more. Many people feel conflicting emotions at the same time.
Understanding fear and trauma
Many people, regardless of their connection to the conflict, will experience trauma as events transpire. The trauma of living through a time of global conflict can be complicated by other types of trauma, like intergenerational, historical, or racial trauma.
Understanding Trauma and PTSD:
https://www.mhanational.org/understanding-trauma-and-ptsd
Racial Trauma: https://www.mhanational.org/racial-trauma
PTSD Screening Tool: https://screening.mhanational.org/screening-tools/ptsd/
Grief and anger in times of conflict
World events can be particularly hard to cope with because they're so far beyond our individual control. Feeling frustrated, demoralized, or at a loss on how to move forward is common.
How can I be ok when the world is terrible?
https://screening.mhanational.org/content/how-can-i-be-ok-when-world-terrible/
I’m angry about the injustices I see around me
https://screening.mhanational.org/content/im-angry-about-injustices-i-see-around-me/
Dealing with traumatic online and news content
Social Media and Mental Health:
https://mhanational.org/back-to-school/social-media
Negative news coverage and mental health:
Supporting youth
We can't protect young people from knowing what's happening in the world, but we can help them make sense of it. Depending age, they're already hearing about current events in school or on social media and really need an adult to help them fact-check and understand what is happening.
Talking To Kids About Fear & Violence:
https://mhanational.org/talking-kids-about-fear-and-violence
Helping Children Cope Tragedy Related Anxiety:
https://mhanational.org/helping-children-cope-tragedy-related-anxiety
Social Media & Youth Mental Health:
https://mhanational.org/back-to-school/social-media-and-youth-mental-health
Connecting with community
Global conflicts always harm certain identity groups more than others. Many people see and feel hate against their country, race, culture, religion, or other identities. Connecting with others who feel a similar impact of the crisis can provide you with a sense of validation, belonging, and safety during a scary time.
Connecting with Community:
https://mhanational.org/sites/default/files/BIPOC/MHM-2023/Connecting-with-Your-Community-FS.pdf
Community Care: https://www.mhanational.org/bipoc-mental-health/community-care
Self-care during direct advocacy work
In times of devastation, many people find helping others to be one of the best ways to support their own mental health. Taking action can reduce feelings of helplessness, but it can also be difficult to face the same heavy topic over and over again.
Taking good care of yourself: https://mhanational.org/taking-good-care-yourself
Taking Time for Yourself
https://mhanational.org/taking-time-yourself
Racism, discrimination, and identity-based hate
Global conflicts are political and intersectional — and, unfortunately, often drive hate speech and direct community and/or interpersonal conflict. As identity groups become targeted in response to global conflict, it's essential to know your rights and options.
LGBTQ+ https://mhanational.org/lgbtq
BIPOC https://mhanational.org/bipoc
Racial Trauma
https://mhanational.org/racial-trauma
@nursefrombirth A care provider once told me that Americans live in a state of near-constant inflammation.
And this was in the early to mid-2000s.
@brainwise Very likely true.
@nursefrombirth I lost touch with them years ago. I wonder what they might say now. Of course, they were also in a charismatic church, so they might be in Trump’s camp for all I know.
@nursefrombirth Thank you for these resources!
@KarenSohne My pleasure. Glad you find them helpful. 🤗
@nursefrombirth we’re about to dive into a whole lot of “normal reactions to abnormal circumstances”.
Coping with Global Conflict and Distress
Whether you’re directly or indirectly affected by distressing worldwide events, the following evidence-based tips, from Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, can help protect your mental health during times of conflict:
#Stress #MentalHealth #TraumaticStress #CopingResources
https://www.cstsonline.org/resources/resource-master-list/war-in-ukraine-mental-health-resources