5 reasons Russia's attack on Ukraine may be difficult for you and how to cope | CNN
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There are many valid reasons why an international crisis might be hitting you close to home ...
Low emotional reserves
This conflict is coming on the heels of another international trauma: the Covid-19 pandemic.
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See what has worked for you during the pandemic to reduce stress and process your feelings, and try applying those de-stressing techniques now, Carmichael said.
Uncertainty
Some of the difficulty may also come from the shock of the attack, leaving many to wonder what is coming next.
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Understanding the global events can be a productive way to cope with uncertainty, but if you're glued to every update and unable to focus on other things, you may need to set limits on how often and how long you consume information on the conflict, Carmichael said.
Helplessness
As much as individuals might want to do something to end the violence, there is little people outside Ukraine can do to directly change what happens next.
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"Anxiety is often serving a healthy purpose, which is to stimulate us to take some kind of action," Carmichael said. "What could be stimulating for you to do?"
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Empathy
If you are struggling, chances are much of those are coming from a place of empathy, Rice said.
Caring for others is a beautiful feeling, but it also can become overwhelming, and years of experiencing a global pandemic can leave people in a state of compassion fatigue, she said.
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It is acceptable -- important, even -- to disengage from the subject now and again, Carmichael said. Flip to an entertaining show or podcast rather than burying yourself in the tragedy, read a good book or do something you love.
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Past experiences
For many, the heartache of your city being invaded isn't an empathetic imagining -- it is real.
"Especially for people who have been party to terrorist attacks, refugees from conflict in other places, I think it's going to hit a lot of demographics differently," Chambers said.
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Watch your triggers, Carmichael said. Learn what hits you the hardest and take care to limit those or be gentle to yourself when you do experience them, she added.
Connecting with others of your community and speaking about what you are going through is incredibly important, Rice said. Now, more than ever, people impacted by the conflict need the support of one another, Chambers added.
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Be aware of the physical signs that the events are getting to you, like changes in appetite, stomach troubles, sleeplessness, muscle tension and irritability, Rice said.
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