If you’re noticing anxiety in yourself or those around you these days, you’re not alone. With mention of Ukraine, it’s no wonder we’re all anxious. Dealing with the uncertainty of the current situation is difficult for everyone. Fear and anxiety are feelings that are both valid and common. I wanted to provide you with a few ideas for managing those feelings. Recommended by The Yale Centre for
• Start with yourself. Before you help others with their feelings, make sure you are okay—that you are calm enough to validate, reassure, and support others. Practice your calming
strategies. Practice self-care. Talk to others. Breathe.
- Be aware of your own emotions and accept how you feel. We may be worried about our
own safety and the well-being of our family members. Remind yourself that a certain level of anxiety is grounded and normal. Seek professional help if you feel your anxiety or fear is getting in the way.
- Focus on the facts. Consult reliable and up-to-date sources of information for updates, procedures, and guidelines.
- Control the amount of information you take in. In times like these, we may feel like we have no control. One thing we can control is how much information we seek out and how often we tune in. Take breaks as needed from the news, social media, and conversations that make you feel anxious.
- Don’t be afraid to say no. Give yourself permission to say no, as your physical and mental health is the most important thing.
• Respect others’ decisions but know what’s right for you. We all handle the news differently.
Let them go about their business, and think about what you need to do for you and your own physical and emotional well-being.
• Be your best self when dealing with stigma and fears. Have compassion for those who ran away from the war, including having compassion for yourself.
• Support others who are dealing with anxiety and uncertainty. When helping others
- Manage your own anxiety first.
- Don’t be afraid to discuss the situation—open communication sometimes is the best
way to allay unpleasant emotions.
- Don’t assume you know how others, and particularly children, are feeling or why
they’re feeling that way. Ask.
- Consider the age and developmental level of those with whom you speak. Take your
cues from them on what to discuss.
- Reassure children with facts. Remind them that adults are working together to keep
everyone safe. Discuss what you are doing and what they can do to stay safe.