In these challenging times, mental health is an integral part of coping and recovery. We are here to offer emotional support and professional care to help you and your loved ones navigate this period in the best way possible.
In emergency situations, adults may experience fear, anxiety, and a sense of helplessness. These feelings are normal and stem from the way security threats disrupt our sense of control over reality. It is crucial to acknowledge these emotions while also finding healthy and constructive ways to manage them.
Feelings of fear and anxiety are normal responses to an abnormal situation. Anxiety may manifest physically (e.g., increased heart rate, sweating, muscle tension), cognitively (e.g., catastrophic thoughts, loss of control), or behaviorally (e.g., restlessness, withdrawal).
If your anxiety becomes overwhelming and disrupts your daily life, do not hesitate to seek professional help. Emotional therapy, such as psychotherapy or guided relaxation techniques, can assist in managing anxiety and improving your quality of life.
When security situations arise, children, like adults, experience fears and anxieties. However, they may not fully understand or process the complex reality in the same way. As parents, we play a significant role in mediating events for them, calming their fears, and providing a sense of security.
Children of different ages react to stress and fear differently:
May not fully comprehend the situation but are sensitive to the anxiety of adults around them. Their reactions might include regression (e.g., thumb-sucking or bedwetting), irritability, restlessness, or clinging to parents.
Are more aware of the situation and may hear information from friends, teachers, or media. They may exhibit heightened anxiety and ask direct questions about the dangers.
Often experience fear more deeply and complexly. Some may hide their anxiety to avoid worrying their parents, while others may feel overwhelmed by feelings of helplessness and concerns about the future.
Children often express their feelings through play, drawing, or other creative activities.
If your child’s fears intensify and disrupt their daily life, consider consulting a professional. Short-term therapy with a child psychologist or emotional therapist can provide tools to alleviate anxiety and improve coping mechanisms.