A colleague of mine says, "My wife constantly follows the news of the war in Gaza to the extent that she stays up late and never stops discussing what she sees in videos of destruction and killing. This has come to such an extent that the point that our lunch and dinner conversations turn into a summary of the latest developments.”
When she wakes up in the morning, she starts her day by watching videos of killing and destruction and silently weeping. I've begun to worry about her mental state.
It is natural to react to what is happening to the bombings, and destruction that is happening to our brothers and sisters in Palestine and to sympathize with them and pray for their victory.
However, in our immersion in following what is happening, we may not notice feelings of helplessness, fear, sadness, and anger. Some may even feel guilty as they watch destruction, displacement, and the bodies of martyrs under the rubble from behind the safety of our screens in our homes.
Some might feel guilty for briefly celebrating a happy occasion in their lives while others continuously follow the news without paying attention to its negative effects. The question that arises is how to balance solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Palestine and our psychological well-being.
Research studies indicate that excessive exposure to war news on social media and news channels can have acute and long-term psychological effects such as varying levels of stress and anxiety, depending on the extent of exposure.
This stress can lead to physical symptoms like joint inflammation, heart and vascular diseases, and other health problems caused by the body's increased production of cortisol when you're stressed.
Watching violent images and videos repeatedly can stimulate similar responses to actual exposure to violence. To reduce these negative effects, psychologists recommend taking a break from news consumption and constant video sharing and setting aside dedicated time for it.
You should also be aware of any feelings of guilt related to your inability to help or your fortune of being safe in your home while others suffer under siege. Don't judge or criticize yourself; instead, treat yourself with the same compassion you extend to others. Try to find a positive way to help, focusing on what you can control rather than things beyond your influence.
Make sure to incorporate physical activity and movement into your daily routine, even if it starts with just half an hour of walking; it helps you stay alert and present in the moment.
It is natural to feel angry about what is happening which would make you more agitated, overreacting to other situations in life regardless of their importance. Try to channel your feelings and energy into something that helps you and the case.
Regarding your young children and their exposure to the war and news platforms, explain to them what is happening without going into too much detail. Keep your conversations with them brief and reassuring as much as possible.
Show them where Palestine is on the map and encourage them to pray for our Muslim brothers and sisters. Donate through dedicated platforms and dedicate a portion of your prayers after each prayer to ask Allah to support the Mujahideen and thwart the plans of the aggressors and tyrants.
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