Expert for Al Mayadeen Net: This is how we overcame the psychological effects of war and fake news

Wars affect a person’s mental health, leading to mental and psychological problems that can span a long period of time, and the effects of which can be transferred from one generation to the next. another generation.

During the war, especially the current attack against Lebanon and Palestine, many questions arise in understanding the depth of human experience and considering the biological issues experienced and resulting psychological.

In fact, war has a negative impact on people’s mental health and nerves, and there is another context of life that imposes itself on us, and from this the Lebanese psychologist Iman Tarraf Naim explains “Al-Mayadeen Net“The following points:

– Finding meaning
Wars, as catastrophic events that raise doubts about meaning and existence, force individuals to face the reality of life and find meaning for their lives as a result of the turmoil in which they live.

– Pain and suffering
One philosopher said, “What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger.” Although wars cause great suffering, they could also be seen as a test of psychological strength and the will to live.

Train your mind to be stronger than your emotions because it will be a transformative journey that will improve your mental health, and help you make excellent decisions.

This includes understanding the connection between your mind and your body, and learning how your physical health affects your mental state, and vice versa.

By studying strategies… pic.twitter.com/peODHZpEGS

– Abdullah Al-Mousa (@AbdullahCIPD) May 14, 2024

Increases psychological toughness

In addition to the above, points are provided that provide strategies for dealing with these psychological effects and increasing mental resilience, including:

– Optimism: Encouraging positive thinking can help individuals focus on bright spots and opportunities in the future.
– Resilience: Developing strategies to cope with problems and challenges can help cope with stress.
– Social support: Strengthening social relationships and providing support can reduce feelings of isolation.
– Practice gratitude: Focusing on the things they are grateful for can improve mood and reduce stress.

What about media influence?

The impact of negative media on mental health can be significant, and negative media can lead to increased stress and anxiety, and can contribute to the worsening of depression and anxiety. It can also lead to feelings of isolation and social anxiety, especially if the news is full of negative and distressing information.

– When it is reported that the enemy has occupied an area or that an army has been defeated, or that a major disaster has wiped out most of a city, the psychological effects on the public be numerous. These effects may include:

1. Feeling defeated and frustrated: Feeling helpless and unable to control the situation can lead to low confidence and depression.

Psychological warfare waged against the enemy is not as important and vicious as military operations on the battlefield. pic.twitter.com/1cQSRTapZI

— 🇯🇴@Adnan_A_altarawneh@🇯🇴 (@AdnanAltarawneh) October 8, 2024

2. Loss of trust: Loss of trust in the political system, military leaders, and society as a whole can lead to feelings of hopelessness and isolation.

3. Fear and anxiety: Fear of the future and the unknown, along with concern for personal and family safety, can lead to higher levels of stress and anxiety.

Read also: How do we deal with trauma during aggression?

4. Feelings of loss and grief: Losing property and loved ones, as well as witnessing devastation, can lead to feelings of deep sadness and loss.

5. Psychological problems: People can suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), nightmares, and sleep problems.

6. Changes in behavior: There may be an increase in aggressive behavior or social withdrawal due to feelings of loss and helplessness.

7. Physical health effects: Chronic mental stress can lead to physical health problems such as high blood pressure, heart problems, and digestive disorders.

8. Impact on relationships: Psychological stress can have a negative impact on family and social relationships, leading to tension and conflict.

Avoid negative news during wars

These effects can be serious and require intervention and appropriate psychological support to deal with them.
To avoid negative news during wars and disasters, several strategies can be followed that aim to maintain mental health and reduce stress.
1- Identify reliable sources
Adopt reliable and impartial news sources to avoid rumors and false information. Focus on sources that provide objective analysis rather than sensational news.

2- Give a specific time for news
Set a specific time each day to follow the news instead of being exposed to it all day. This can help reduce stress and anxiety caused by constant exposure to negative news.

3- Opportunity in following the news
Combine positive news with negative news to get a balanced picture. Following stories that focus on hope and positive things can have a positive effect on overall mood.

4- Performing the mental break
Using relaxation and meditation techniques after watching the news can reduce stress and anxiety. Set aside time for activities that promote mental relaxation, such as religious worship, reading, or yoga practice.

5- End interactions with interesting news
Avoid engaging in heated discussions on social media about negative news. These conversations can greatly increase stress and anxiety.

6- Find social support
It can be helpful to talk to friends and family about your fears and feelings. Social support strengthens mental health and reduces feelings of loneliness.

7- Using physical activity
Exercise and physical activity can have a positive effect on mental health. Physical activity helps relieve stress and anxiety naturally.

8- Focus on today
By focusing on the present and avoiding thinking too much about the future and the fears it brings, it can reduce anxiety. Techniques such as “sensing” can be effective in this context.

9- Stop following the news when necessary
If you feel that the news is having a negative impact on your mental health, it is okay to stop following it for a certain period of time. Giving yourself time to recover can be essential to maintaining your mental health.

Psychological problems during war

Following these strategies can help reduce the negative impact of news during stressful times and maintain mental health.

Psychological toughness in these situations requires the ability to adapt to high pressures and deal with fear and anxiety.
As a result of the war we are experiencing in Lebanon, psychological support can play a big role in increasing the psychological resilience of people who are facing disasters and wars.
Promotes strong family and social relationships, and encourages individuals to focus on the positives in life.
It helps them get through this delicate phase in their lives.

For any questions or psychological support, she says that anyone who needs moral and psychological support can contact her, of course, in this difficult time that Lebanon is going through.