Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, cases of depression and anxiety increased by 25%. While we thought we would finally see the end of the crisis and the return to an almost normal life thanks to the drop in the number of cases, the conflict in Ukraine has just added a new risk above our heads. “By launching this military operation in Ukraine, Vladimir Putin takes away this dream of relaxation and leisure that we all expected“, confided the psychiatrist specialist in anxiety Patrick Clervoy to Slate.
In the era of social networks and continuous news channels, a constant stream of information reaches our eyes, sometimes in spite of ourselves. “Everyone feels that the event is serious and that the whole world is tense […] The fact that Switzerland, a traditionally neutral country, has decided to take a stand against the Russian president and the oligarchs who support him contributes to the effect of surprise and amazementcontinues the psychiatrist. This information overload in which we are immersed produces a state of alarm.”
And if by reflex you cut everything and refuse to inform yourself to protect yourself, this may not be the best method to follow. Getting informed would even be a very healthy action., without being overwhelmed by the overflow of information. “To reduce anxiety, getting information on the reality of the risks is the preliminary step. But the most effective action to reduce our negative feelings is to get moving, to participate in the collective momentum and in the various solidarity actions.“, advises Patrick Clervoy.
Don’t feel guilty for feeling anxious
Even if this anxiety may seem minimal in view of what the locals are going through on site, there is no no shame in feeling anxious about the situation, according to the psychiatrist. It would even be the expression of empathy for the Ukrainian people.
Used wisely, this anxiety can even save lives, by launching a surge of solidarity in each of us. “This event allows us to combine our forces; we feel that we are a community that can pull together. It has a calming effect on our anxiety, because it means that as a French citizen, I am not alone. Other citizens around the world are also getting involved.”
Everywhere in France, collections are organized and donation campaigns are launched. A map was created to list the actions in which you can participate near you.
Sources:
- “If you are worried about the war in Ukraine, don’t be an ostrich”, Slate.comMarch 3, 2022
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