What To Do During A Global Crisis
War has been declared between Israel and Hamas. This marks one of the most uncertain and scary moments in international safety we’ve faced in a long time, not to mention one with an incomprehensible amount of loss of life. Some may have been impacted directly, with friends or family in either state, and others may be impacted more indirectly. Either way, the feelings and experiences of overwhelm, confusion, anger, and fear you may be feeling are all completely valid. War - even from afar - has a huge impact on the way we view our future, safety, and humanity as a whole. In this, or in any, crisis, it may feel like you are completely powerless. Though many things aren’t in your control, it’s important to focus on what IS, and do what you can to cope internally, support others, and seek support for yourself.
Check In With Yourself
In the whirl of panic, headlines, and conversations with friends and coworkers, it’s easy to lose ourselves a bit in the chaos. Take a second to check in with yourself: what sensations are happening in your body? Do you have a nervous stomach, are you getting a headache, are you having trouble sleeping? You don’t necessarily have to “fix” any of the things you’re feeling - but it’s important to acknowledge them and try your best to be present in your body.
2. Check In With Others
A global crisis like a war impacts everyone, and everybody copes differently. Some people may feel very emotionally impacted and distressed; others may feel emotionally drained and low-energy; and others still may feel numb or unaffected due to other important life events happening. Again, any of these responses are totally valid - and everyone could use some sort of support from others. Take a mental note of those who may be struggling - for example, people who may be more directly impacted by the crisis - and do your best to reach out to them. You could simply offer words of support, such as: “I’m thinking of you. Are you safe? I’m here if you want to talk about it.” If there’s anything tangible you can offer, include this as well: “Would it be helpful if I reached out to ___ for you and let them know what’s going on for you?”
Then, choose three people in your life, regardless of how much they’re impacted, to check in on consistently. This helps limit the amount of overwhelm you may feel about reaching out to a large number of people, but still provides consistent dialogue and connection with others about how you are both experiencing and coping with the crisis.
3. Limit The Visuals
Nowadays, we don’t just get articles or distant photos of atrocities: we see videos and hear stories filmed on smartphones that are uncensored, and often incredibly distressing. While it’s important to be aware of what’s going on in reality, watching or listening to graphic or horrific acts of violence is most likely not going to enhance your understanding and may only raise your levels of anxiety and sorrow. Try your best to limit your use of social media, and skip watching or viewing the more graphic images. If you are posting content to raise awareness, make sure to include warnings on your posts to ensure that those who do not wish to watch or view the graphic images can abstain.
4. Acknowledge The Loss Of Life
It’s easy to get wrapped up in the politics or conflicts surrounding a crisis - all of the different angles, opinions, and expressions of emotions may feel overwhelming. If you’re not sure what to think, try your best to focus on the humanity that has come into play. The loss of life that comes from conflict or crisis may be the aspect that requires most of our attention, but it is the part that often gets lost. Do your best to acknowledge the loss of life. It may sound silly, but it could be helpful to engage in a grieving practice of some sort for the lives that were lost, or the pain that was caused. This could look like attending a community-led vigil or other type of mourning event, having time to process and honor the lives lost with a small group of friends, or another type of personal practice on your own. Remember: coping with a crisis does not necessarily mean numbing the emotions surrounding it so that you can continue on with business as usual. Engaging with loss and pain, and feeling the hard feelings that accompany it, is a part of being a human.
5. Start Or Continue Your Gratitude Practice
If you start to feel helpless and/or hopeless, you are not alone. A global crisis or large-scale violence can often evoke these feelings, especially if it’s happening far from home. If you begin to feel this way, a gratitude practice can help you identify what you have that’s stable and meaningful around you. This can simply help to regulate your emotions and life your mood - which can really help in challenging times.
6. Seek Out Community And/Or Professional Help
It’s so important not to isolate yourself when dealing with the emotions of a crisis. Make an effort to be with community in some way. This may be a religious community or a gathering at an institution your part of. Many schools and workplaces offer processing or listening sessions in times of strife, and may even bring in extra grief or counseling support. Take advantage of these opportunities to be with others, and to get professional support if you continue to struggle.
If after these ways to take care of yourself, you feel moved to help and don’t know how to start, please feel free to check out our article about how to engage in activism sustainably.