Experts: navigating mental health amid ongoing Israel-Palestine war

WEB DESK: As the Israel-Palestine war unfolds, individuals worldwide are being inundated with a barrage of distressing images, stories, and information through various media outlets.

The American Psychological Association has issued a warning about the negative effects of consuming violent and traumatic news on mental health.

Psychologist Dr Gail Sultz during her podcaset Chasing Life on CNN spoke about protecting mental health during Israe-Palestine crisis.

She said that psychological science underscores the long-term impact of fear, anxiety, and traumatic stress on overall health and well-being, and these effects are not limited to those directly affected by the conflict. The association notes that people across the globe, who have families and friends in the region, or who are concerned about the broader consequences of war, can experience these adverse effects.

The constant exposure to harrowing visual images of Israel-Palestine war poses a particular challenge, as these images can become intrusive and difficult to forget, leading to difficulties in concentration and sleep disturbances.

The physiological response to such imagery can trigger the sympathetic nervous system, inducing jitteriness and anxiety. Sustained anxiety can lead to feelings of sadness and depression.

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In the current digital and media landscape, which continuously delivers these distressing images and stories, there is a heightened risk of prolonged anxiety and distress. Vulnerability to acute stress reactions or even post-traumatic stress disorder varies among individuals, particularly those with prior mental health issues or trauma history.

How to deal with it?

To mitigate the mental health impact, Dr Sultz recommend implementing several strategies:

Limit news consumption

Reducing exposure to news and social media, particularly graphic content, can help mitigate the impact. Restricting news sources to one or two trusted outlets and limiting daily news consumption to 30 minutes, well before bedtime, can break the cycle of anxiety.

Age-appropriate communication

It is vital to discuss the situation with children in an age-appropriate manner to prevent them from forming exaggerated or inaccurate fears. Being reasonably honest with them fosters a trusting environment and allows them to ask questions.

Source verification

Teach children to critically assess the credibility of news sources and differentiate trustworthy information from questionable or unreliable content.

Monitor feelings

Pay attention to symptoms of anxiety, as these can signify the need for intervention. It is essential to recognize when normal stress levels have escalated to the point of causing dysfunction.

Stress-reduction techniques

Engaging in stress-reduction practices, such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and physical activity, can help alleviate anxiety and calm the nervous system.

Enjoyable activities

Participating in enjoyable activities, including watching positive content and engaging in helpful activities, can counterbalance the negative impact of distressing news.

Seek support

Remember that you are not alone in feeling stressed and anxious. Connecting with friends, family, or a mental health professional can provide valuable support.

By implementing these strategies, individuals and families can better navigate the challenges of staying informed while safeguarding their mental health during times of conflict and crisis.