Amidst ongoing conflicts, such as the Israel-Hamas war, individuals worldwide are exposed to a constant stream of images and stories through various media channels, which can negatively impact mental health. The American Psychological Association warns that consuming violent and traumatic news can affect psychological well-being and that people often experience fear, anxiety, and traumatic stress as a result.
Dr. Gail Saltz, a clinical associate professor of psychiatry at New York Presbyterian Hospital and Weill Cornell Medical College, offers advice on navigating this challenge while protecting mental health:
Limit News Consumption: Reduce your exposure to news and social media. Saltz recommends sticking to one or two trusted media outlets and limiting your daily news intake to 30 minutes. Avoid consuming news close to bedtime, as it can disrupt sleep and increase anxiety.
Protect Children: Limit children’s access to social media and provide age-appropriate explanations of the situation. Shield them from explicit images and stories.
Be Mindful of Images: Visual images, in particular, can be intrusive and distressing. They tend to stick in the mind, causing heightened arousal, anxiety, and sadness. Protect your mental health by minimizing exposure to such images.
Recognize Vulnerability: Some individuals are more vulnerable to developing acute stress reactions or post-traumatic stress disorder due to the constant exposure to distressing news. This vulnerability is higher for those with pre-existing mental health issues, past trauma, or a direct connection to the events.
In summary, protecting your mental health while staying informed during conflicts like the Israel-Hamas war involves setting limits on news consumption, especially regarding graphic images, and being mindful of how media exposure can affect mental well-being. Moreover, paying attention to children’s media intake and vulnerability to stress reactions is essential for their mental health.
