Jason's Lens: Managing our emotional well-being during global events
When Russia began its aggression against Ukraine on Feb. 24, it sent ripples worldwide, jolting even those not directly involved with the conflict. News coverage of fighting and refugees seeking safety flooded our social media feeds and the realities of war are emotive and disturbing, evoking anxiety.
Many discussions revolve around the events in Ukraine, with questions such as "why?" and "what's going on?". In contrast, others express a sense of guilt for enjoying time with family and friends or easing their way into the day with a morning java while others are fighting — literally — for their lives.
The events in Ukraine have and continue to impact all of us in differing capacities, even if we are not directly involved. The worry, anxiety and emotional toll that war takes can be difficult to manage; therefore, it is essential to remember our well-being during these times. With everything our community and the global community has experienced the past few years, there are many things we can do to help each other manage emotional well-being:
Talk to someone about how you're feeling. For children, provide them space with a parent or caregiver to ask questions. Providing children the freedom to process and permission to express themselves is essential as they try and comprehend these events.
Stay informed, but don't overload yourself with information or cumulative stress. It’s essential to stay updated on the situation, but make sure you're not consuming too much news and information that can be overwhelming.
Allow yourself time with friends and family and do the things you enjoy. A great example of embracing the moment of happiness and love during conflict is the Ukrainian military couple taking time, amid war, for an official wedding ceremony after twenty-two years together.
Help others. One way to feel better is to help others who are also struggling. This can be done by volunteering, donating to Canadian Red Cross or simply checking in on your friends and family.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, reach out for assistance. Sometimes it's necessary to manage and understand our emotions. So if you're feeling like you're struggling to cope, please call our Crisis Line at 780-743-HELP (4357) or visit someothersolutions.ca for other support options. We have a professional team of counsellors and community outreach workers ready to help.