Stress and fear of war and ways to deal with it

The fear of war today and considering the chaotic situation in the world; It can involve many people. Iranian people also because of the events that are happening in their country or neighboring countries; They may suffer from war stress. War can create countless psychological consequences for people, and if you are not familiar with the ways to deal with it; It can have more destructive effects. Fear of war includes worry about losing one's life and loved ones, financial problems, and lack of peace. **What is stress and fear of war?** Fear of war, also known as war phobia or war anxiety, is a psychological condition characterized by intense and irrational fear or distress associated with the possibility or occurrence of war. Usually, this anxiety and fear is created in response to news and images related to conflict, military tensions and threats of war. In a survey by the American Psychological Association, 80 percent of respondents experienced significant stress due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Fear of war may manifest as constant worry about the safety of loved ones, avoidance of news or discussions about war, nightmares or intrusive thoughts about war scenarios; These are the psychological effects of war. The physical effects of war include increased heart rate, sweating, tremors, sleep disturbances, nausea, and nightmares. The stress of war can be a debilitating condition that significantly affects a person's daily life, relationships, and psychological well-being; For this reason, it is necessary to know the ways to deal with it. Identifying the signs of war stress War stress symptoms may develop gradually or suddenly and have devastating effects on your mind and body. These symptoms vary from person to person; But some of these symptoms are common to all people. Symptoms of stress and anxiety are usually a suitable response to life's problems and give you this sign; To take the upcoming threats seriously, but this is if it does not lead to a disruption in your life. After identifying the symptoms, you can start treating the stress and anxiety caused by the war. In the following, we will examine the psychological consequences of war and the physical disorders it causes in people. ### **Psychological consequences of war** - Constant worry: constantly thinking about the possibility of war and its consequences. - Avoidance behavior: Avoiding the news or participating in war-related conversations. - Nightmares or intrusive thoughts: having intrusive dreams or recurring thoughts about war scenarios. - Being overly alert and careful: a person constantly checks his surroundings for a sign of danger. - Trouble sleeping: Insomnia or disturbed sleep patterns due to anxiety about the war. - Change in behavior: withdrawal from social activities, increased irritability or mood swings. - Poor functioning: difficulty concentrating, completing daily tasks, or maintaining relationships due to war-related anxiety. ### **Physical consequences of fear of war** - Increased heart rate - Sweating and shaking - Digestive problems - Nausea - Dizziness - Headache and fatigue - Loss of appetite - Panic attacks: You can use medication and psychotherapy to treat panic attacks. **Is it possible to control the fear of war?** After knowing the symptoms of war fear, you can prevent it by identifying the best ways to deal with the stress and anxiety of war. There are different ways to deal with the stress of war, and we will examine the top 3 ways below. ### **Stay away from the news** Undoubtedly, staying away from the news in sensitive situations can be a difficult task; But minimize watching war-related news and events as much as possible to minimize anxiety-increasing factors. In order to be able to reduce the viewing of news, you have to face the fact that for sure something new does not happen every moment and you are seeing repeated news in a new format or in different newscasts. ### **Self care against the fear of war** Taking care of yourself in any situation can help you improve your mental health. Engage in activities that promote relaxation and well-being, such as exercise, meditation, deep breathing, or mindfulness techniques. Gain a better understanding of geopolitical issues, problem solving, and peacebuilding efforts to feel more informed and empowered. To protect your mental well-being and peace of mind, set limits on discussions or exposure to war-related topics. ### **Get professional help** Sometimes fear and stress progress a bit; which is out of your control, at this time visiting your psychologist and getting advice can have a very good effect. By implementing these strategies and seeking appropriate support, individuals can effectively manage and reduce their fear of war and improve their mental health and overall well-being. At the Bayat Psychology Clinic, there are various methods of treating stress and anxiety related to war or other issues; You can use these methods. **Summary** Phobia and fear of war is a real problem that can affect the general public and cause devastating mental and physical problems. If you can do the ways to deal with the stress of war correctly; You can control a lot of stress. Going to medical centers and getting professional help is the best option when this stress is out of your control. Counselors help you take your mind off the war and its problems and focus on your life. For expert advice and appointment, contact us: **Address:** Shiraz, Mulla Sadra, end of alley 4, Subhan complex, third floor **Phone:** 07136472719 **Company:** 09380578025 Start the path of peace of mind with a call! **Frequently Asked Questions** **1\_ Is the fear of war real?** Fear of war, also known as war phobia or war anxiety, is a psychological condition characterized by intense and irrational fear or distress associated with the possibility or occurrence of war. **2\_ What are the psychological consequences of war?** Persistent worry, avoidance behavior, nightmares or intrusive thoughts, hypervigilance and vigilance, difficulty sleeping, changes in behavior, and poor performance are some of the psychological consequences of war.