Are you feeling anxious about the Ukraine crisis?

The threat of global conflict is understandably alarming and on top of the anxiety and uncertainty we have endured for the last two years with the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s not surprising that many of us are feeling overwhelmed with the distressing news coming out of Europe.   

However, it’s important to acknowledge that these feelings of anxiety and unrest are completely normal in times of crisis and there are practical ways to help ease these feelings. Some people may be more seriously impacted and might need to seek professional support.   

“We now have compounding forms of trauma impacting us as a general population, with those who have experienced prior trauma more likely to experience severe anxiety or distress,” says Professor Susan Rees from the School of Clinical Medicine at UNSW Sydney.   

“There are few periods in our living memory where we have experienced this conflation of major stressors, including bushfires and floods associated with climate change, the pandemic, and now war.”  

Read more: Is international law powerless against Russian aggression in Ukraine? No, but it's complicated

Prof. Rees, a mental health researcher with a background in trauma and conflict-affected populations says individuals from Ukraine will understandably be feeling highly emotionally aroused, anxious, and distressed, especially if they have family living in the country. They may also feel anger or frustration that not enough is being done to address the situation.   

Prof. Rees adds refugees, as well as war veterans, may also be at particular risk of distress during this time as the attack on Ukraine can trigger visceral reminders of conflict, death, destruction, loss and associated poverty and hardship.   

“These triggers can be associated with exacerbation or new onset of anxiety disorders or depressive states. 

“People from conflict-affected backgrounds in the general population may be more likely to experience distress and anxiety related to the situation in Ukraine because the threat of war or social disruption heightens existing anxious states and feelings of powerlessness associated with past exposure to traumatic events,” explains Prof. Rees.   

She adds there is also potential for feelings of loss associated with the home country or statehood for people from refugee backgrounds as they empathize with the imminent threat posed to Ukrainian people.  

“We have all been impacted in some way emotionally by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine may indeed further undermine mental health status.”   

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Look after yourself and your loved ones with these helpful mental health tips: