Traumatic events like war and conflicts can cause an alarming spike in Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) and Depression symptoms.
Recent conflicts in the Middle East, like any other traumatic events, can trigger or exacerbate post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in individuals who have experienced trauma or combat.
PTSD can manifest as a result of exposure to traumatic events such as combat, bombings, witnessing violence, or experiencing personal threats to one's safety and recent events may trigger past experiences.
Those who are mostly likely to struggle with chronic symptoms are people with prior traumas and hardships and people who continue to have chronic stressors in their lives, like job and housing insecurity, and a lack of social support.
Those who were directly affected by a mass trauma are of course at the greatest risk of developing symptoms of mental illnesses. If unaddressed or untreated one may develop chronic symptoms.
Psychological Symptoms:
•Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): This may include flashbacks, nightmares, intrusive thoughts, and severe anxiety related to the traumatic event.
•Anxiety and Panic Attacks: Intense fear, restlessness, racing thoughts, and physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, and trembling.
•Depression: Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities once enjoyed.
•Irritability and Anger: Increased irritability, anger outbursts, and difficulty controlling emotions.
•Difficulty Concentrating: Problems with memory, attention, and concentration.
•Emotional Numbing: Feeling emotionally detached or numb, sometimes as a coping mechanism.
•Hypervigilance: Feeling constantly on edge, easily startled, and overly alert to potential threats.
Physical Symptoms:
•Insomnia and Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, frequent nightmares.
•Fatigue: Persistent exhaustion, often due to high stress levels.
•Muscle Tension: Muscle aches, tension headaches, and other physical discomforts.
•Gastrointestinal Issues: Digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or stomachaches.
•Increased Heart Rate: Elevated heart rate and potential cardiac symptoms due to stress.
Behavioral and Social Symptoms:
•Avoidance: Avoiding situations, places, or people that remind the individual of the traumatic event.
•Social Withdrawal: Isolating oneself from friends and family.
•Substance Abuse: Increased use of alcohol, drugs, or other substances as a way to cope with emotional distress.
•Relationship Problems: Strained relationships with loved ones due to changes in behavior and mood.
•Risk-Taking Behavior: Engaging in impulsive or reckless behavior as a way to cope with emotions.
Cognitive Symptoms:
•Intrusive Thoughts: Distressing and involuntary memories of the traumatic event.
•Negative Beliefs: Developing negative beliefs about oneself, others, or the world.
•Dissociation: Feeling disconnected from one's body or surroundings.
•Guilt and Shame: Feeling responsible for the trauma or experiencing shame about one's reactions to it.
These are all normal reactions to traumatic circumstances — and they may keep people from functioning in their daily lives. Uncertain times mean navigating events in life that you can't control. They may mean doing things differently, even reaching out for help. Reaching out for help is a sign of strength and part of being resilient.
It's important to recognize these signs and symptoms and seek help if you or someone you know is struggling. Mental health professionals can provide assessment, diagnosis, and treatment options, which may include therapy (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or exposure therapy) and, in some cases, medication. Social support, self-care, and stress management techniques can also play a vital role in recovery from the effects of uncertain times. Reaching out for help and support is a crucial step in addressing these challenges and working toward healing and resilience.
Seek Professional Help: If you are experiencing symptoms of PTSD or your symptoms have worsened due to recent events, it's crucial to reach out to a mental health professional. Therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists can provide appropriate treatment and coping strategies tailored to your specific needs.
Therapy: Evidence-based therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) have shown effectiveness in treating PTSD. These therapies can help you process traumatic memories and develop coping skills.
Medication: In some cases, medication prescribed by a mental health professional may be helpful in managing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and insomnia associated with PTSD.
Support Groups: Consider joining support groups or connecting with fellow veterans or individuals who have experienced similar traumas. Sharing experiences and coping strategies can be valuable.
Self-Care: Prioritize self-care to maintain your overall well-being. This includes maintaining a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and stress reduction techniques like meditation and relaxation exercises.
Limit Exposure to Triggers: Be mindful of media exposure to news and images related to the conflict. Limit exposure if it worsens your symptoms.
Create a Safe Environment: Ensure your immediate environment is safe and comfortable. Minimize potential triggers, and create a space where you can feel secure.
Establish a Routine: Maintain a structured daily routine to provide a sense of stability and predictability. Controlling the things in life where you do have control.
Reach Out for Social Support: Talk to friends and family about your feelings and experiences. Emotional support from loved ones can be invaluable.
Engage in Stress-Reduction Techniques: Explore stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, and progressive muscle relaxation to help manage anxiety and stress.
Set Realistic Goals: Set achievable goals for your recovery, and celebrate small victories along the way. One day, one hour, one minute at a time.