During war, people with mental health difficulties may experience worsening of their existing symptoms or the recurrence of a disorder. They may also develop new symptoms such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), acute stress disorder (ASD), anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, nightmares, flashbacks, dissociation, aggression, paranoia, suicidal thoughts and behaviors. These symptoms can impair their ability to cope with the situation and endanger their health and safety.
It is essential to help those dealing with mental hardship during war by emphasizing that they are not alone and can get help – emotional and practical support. They should be encouraged to seek professional help from mental health services or organizations that specialize in helping those struggling. It is important for them to stay around other people – isolation can worsen their condition and worsen the feeling of loneliness. It is also recommended to strive for support from their families, friends and caregivers who can provide them with emotional, practical and financial assistance.
There are treatments that may help them cope during wartime. Medication is one option among others that reduce distress and stabilize mood. However, it’s important to find the optimal psychiatric treatment for each person depending on genetic structure as different people react differently to the same drug or treatment. Non-pharmacological treatments such as psychotherapy, counseling, support groups, relaxation techniques like mindfulness meditation yoga art therapy also play a significant role in helping them process emotions deal with trauma reduce stress improve self-esteem quality of life maintain a regular routine of eating well getting enough sleep exercising relaxing avoiding alcohol drugs because they may worsen symptoms interfere with treatment.
