With the country at war with Iraq, it is normal to feel worries, anxieties and fears. You may experience a range of feelings at this time. Here are suggestions on ways to get through this difficult time.
Normal feelings you may have:
- Helplessness. Uncertainty about the war and its impact at home and abroad can make you feel helpless.
- Distraction. On some days you may feel that your work is not important. You may feel you are not in the mood to do things you normally enjoy.
- Loss of enthusiasm. You may have less enthusiasm for interests and hobbies you have always been involved in.
- A need for more closeness. You may feel the need for more closeness or intimacy with your spouse, partner, or children. You may also experience more conflict as each of you tries to deal with feelings in different ways.
- Fear. Uncertainty and lack of control can create fear. The possibility of threats to your home, community, loved ones, or country can make everyone feel afraid.
- Anger. You may feel angry with the enemy, your government, or feelings of anger you don't understand.
- Sadness. You may not understand why you are feeling sad. Sadness is a natural result of fear and uncertainty
- Increased feelings of stress. Your mind and body respond to any threat. Some physical signs include difficulty sleeping; headaches; neck, back, or chest pains; muscle tension; sweaty hands or feet. Other signs of stress include feeling irritable, angry, depressed, or tired, or feeling happy one moment and sad the next moment.
Helpful things to do
- Take care of yourself. Be kind to yourself if focusing at work or home becomes difficult. Do what feels right for you. Talk to others about your feelings, no matter how unusual the feelings may seem to you.
- Be kind to others. Reassure children and other family members. Find activities to give you emotional support.
- Focus on the things you can control. Focus on the manageable parts of life that you can control, like eating healthy, getting exercise, keeping your home I order. During times of stress, it is helpful to maintain routines as much as possible and keep to your normal schedule as much as you can.
Some Very Helpful Links
- NYS Family Readiness Program
www.dmna.state.ny.us/members.htm
- — Taking Care of You and Yours During Deployment
— Tips for the Parent/Caregiver Left Behind
— Keeping the News flowing - Communicating with a Military Member
— Being a Long Distance Parent
- The NYS Family Readiness Program at the Division of Military & Naval Affairs
Telephone: (518) 786-4774 for more information.
- Lifeworks
www.lifeworks.com
User i.d: nys
Password: 2670
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