Since the beginning of October, Israel has faced a new round of conflict. The war leaves a trace not only in the form of physical injuries, but also in the psychological state of citizens. Panic attacks caused by stressful situations have become a common symptom for many Israelis. Understanding the causes and ways to manage this condition will help maintain mental health.
Causes of Panic Attacks
According to Dr. Einat Madar, a psychiatrist at Ha’emek Hospital in Afula, fear is a natural human reaction to danger. However, prolonged exposure to danger can lead to alarming symptoms such as heart palpitations, sweating, shortness of breath, and even weight loss.
How to Manage Panic Attacks
Think back to how you’ve dealt with panic attacks or stress in the past. Maybe yoga, meditation, or talking to loved ones helped you. Take advantage of it now.
Try to stick to your regular routine. This will help you maintain control of your life and prevent panic from controlling you.
Compliance with the regimen. Consistency in eating and sleeping also helps reduce feelings of anxiety.
If you feel that nothing helps, don’t hesitate to contact the experts.
How to Help Children
Transparency and honesty are key aspects in communicating with children about complex issues, including wartime situations. Dani Lotan, Head of the Psychological Service at the Schneider Children’s Hospital in Petah Tikva, stresses that it is important to maintain a balance between informing and protecting children’s psyche.
When telling children about the situation, you should do it in a calm and understandable way,” advises Lotan. ” “Avoid complicated details that might scare them, and try to keep their daily routine as much as possible.” A structured routine can help children feel stable and safe.
Lotan also recommends including children in the process of preparing for possible situations, such as finding a bomb shelter or gathering necessary items. “It gives children a sense of involvement and some control, which can reduce anxiety,“ he explains.
In addition, the specialist emphasizes the importance of maintaining a normal life for children during such periods. This includes playing sports, playing games, creative activities, and socializing with friends whenever possible and safe. “Children need to be released and able to express their emotions in a safe and supportive environment,“ Lotan says.
The psychologist reminds parents of the need to take care of their own emotional state.“Parents should also monitor their psychological well-being to be a strong support for their children,“ he says. “And don’t forget that professional psychological help is available for both adults and children if you feel that the situation is escalating into uncontrollable stress or anxiety.“
How to Help the Elderly
Dr. Shai Bril, Head of Geriatrics Services at Clalit Health Insurance Fund, stresses that communication is especially important for older people in times of anxiety and stress. “It helps them not to feel isolated and keeps their spirits up. We should try to have conversations on positive topics, distracting from the constant conversations about the war and problems,“ he says.
In addition, it is important to ensure the safety and comfort of the elderly so that they feel confident in being able to find a sheltered space if necessary. This includes clear instructions on how and where to move in the event of an alarm. “A sense of control and preparedness can significantly reduce stress levels,“ notes Dr. Bril.
Drinking enough fluids and eating light is also critical for maintaining health, especially in situations where normal routines are disrupted. This helps avoid dehydration and other related complications that can aggravate the condition of the elderly.
Regular exercise, even simple gymnastics at home, can improve physical well-being and psychological well-being. “Being active is the key to maintaining health, both physical and mental,“ he says.
Excessive consumption of information should be avoided – this is a general recommendation for all age groups. For older adults, who may be particularly vulnerable to disturbing information, this is especially true. “Finding a balance between awareness and information overload can have a significant impact on emotional well-being,“ concludes Dr. Bril.
Overall, support from loved ones, a clear understanding of what to do in the event of danger, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and mindful consumption of information are key factors in helping people of all ages manage anxiety and stress during war.
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How to Deal with Panic Attacks in War
Since the beginning of October, Israel has faced a new round of conflict. The war leaves a trace not only in the form of physical injuries, but also in the psychological state of citizens. Panic attacks caused by stressful situations have become a common symptom for many Israelis. Understanding the causes and ways to manage this condition will help maintain mental health.
Causes of Panic Attacks
According to Dr. Einat Madar, a psychiatrist at Ha’emek Hospital in Afula, fear is a natural human reaction to danger. However, prolonged exposure to danger can lead to alarming symptoms such as heart palpitations, sweating, shortness of breath, and even weight loss.
How to Manage Panic Attacks
Think back to how you’ve dealt with panic attacks or stress in the past. Maybe yoga, meditation, or talking to loved ones helped you. Take advantage of it now.
Try to stick to your regular routine. This will help you maintain control of your life and prevent panic from controlling you.
Compliance with the regimen. Consistency in eating and sleeping also helps reduce feelings of anxiety.
If you feel that nothing helps, don’t hesitate to contact the experts.
How to Help Children
Transparency and honesty are key aspects in communicating with children about complex issues, including wartime situations. Dani Lotan, Head of the Psychological Service at the Schneider Children’s Hospital in Petah Tikva, stresses that it is important to maintain a balance between informing and protecting children’s psyche.
When telling children about the situation, you should do it in a calm and understandable way,” advises Lotan. ” “Avoid complicated details that might scare them, and try to keep their daily routine as much as possible.” A structured routine can help children feel stable and safe.
Lotan also recommends including children in the process of preparing for possible situations, such as finding a bomb shelter or gathering necessary items. “It gives children a sense of involvement and some control, which can reduce anxiety,“ he explains.
In addition, the specialist emphasizes the importance of maintaining a normal life for children during such periods. This includes playing sports, playing games, creative activities, and socializing with friends whenever possible and safe. “Children need to be released and able to express their emotions in a safe and supportive environment,“ Lotan says.
The psychologist reminds parents of the need to take care of their own emotional state. “Parents should also monitor their psychological well-being to be a strong support for their children,“ he says. “And don’t forget that professional psychological help is available for both adults and children if you feel that the situation is escalating into uncontrollable stress or anxiety.“
How to Help the Elderly
Dr. Shai Bril, Head of Geriatrics Services at Clalit Health Insurance Fund, stresses that communication is especially important for older people in times of anxiety and stress. “It helps them not to feel isolated and keeps their spirits up. We should try to have conversations on positive topics, distracting from the constant conversations about the war and problems,“ he says.
In addition, it is important to ensure the safety and comfort of the elderly so that they feel confident in being able to find a sheltered space if necessary. This includes clear instructions on how and where to move in the event of an alarm. “A sense of control and preparedness can significantly reduce stress levels,“ notes Dr. Bril.
Drinking enough fluids and eating light is also critical for maintaining health, especially in situations where normal routines are disrupted. This helps avoid dehydration and other related complications that can aggravate the condition of the elderly.
Regular exercise, even simple gymnastics at home, can improve physical well-being and psychological well-being. “Being active is the key to maintaining health, both physical and mental,“ he says.
Excessive consumption of information should be avoided – this is a general recommendation for all age groups. For older adults, who may be particularly vulnerable to disturbing information, this is especially true. “Finding a balance between awareness and information overload can have a significant impact on emotional well-being,“ concludes Dr. Bril.
Overall, support from loved ones, a clear understanding of what to do in the event of danger, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and mindful consumption of information are key factors in helping people of all ages manage anxiety and stress during war.