In times like this where conflict and politics are more prevalent in media and daily life than ever, it’s important to care for yourself and others.
In a recent survey, 21 people rated their mental health on a scale of 1-10, 1 being the worst and 10 being the best. Results shared that 35% of people rated their mental health as a 5 or below. In previous surveys with a much larger sample size, the results were much more bleak, with over 50% of people stating that they struggled with their mental health or suicidal ideation.
Unfortunately, this seems to be a downward trend among younger age groups. America’s Health Rankings states, “In 2021, rates of frequent mental distress were 2.3 times higher for young adults (24.4%), 1.8 times higher for adults ages 26-34 (19.1%) and 1.5 times higher for adults ages 35-49 (15.3%) compared to older adults ages 50+ (10.5%)”, showing that younger individuals are struggling more on average, but that overall health has been worsening over time.
A lot of people have very valid reasons for concern, whether it’s their safety during the recently declared war with Iran, fears of them or a loved one being snatched up by ICE, or worries about being attacked for being Middle Eastern or Muslim (which is also a consequence of the wars occurring in Iran, Palestine, and Israel).
Certain ways to cope with these stressors include:
- Limiting screen time to reduce exposure to fear-mongering, propaganda, and stressful news
- Delete or restrict social media
- Check sources for news that you come across
- Prioritize sleep and mindfulness
- Keep close contact with friends and family
- Prepare for scenarios that may frighten you
- Get therapy
- Find alternate coping mechanisms/emotional outlets rooted in creativity or repetition
- Explore your emotions to come up with a healthy solution (however temporary)
- Manage time more closely to encourage productivity
- Engage in acts of self-care
Additionally, students from one of the aforementioned surveys said that they often check up on their friends but feel that their friends rarely check up on them. It is important to check on those close to you and make sure that they are okay in these difficult times, especially if they are at a greater risk of harm. 25% of students also said they didn’t feel comfortable with asking for help or expressing their feelings, which is devastating in and of itself.
We should be encouraging more open communication and destigmatizing mental health as a whole. If we have a tight net of mutual support and connection, the world might seem a little less worse. Ask your friends and family how they’re really doing. Let them know if you’re struggling. Tell people if you need a little more support.
Society can be harmful, but it can also be a positive influence if we work to make it one. Stay connected. Be kind.
If you are currently struggling with your mental health, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a friend or the mental health hotline: 988.
