As a therapist I follow moods and trends, not just individuals. The tone of the world can set the tone of those with whom I meet. With COVID starting to abate, the past few weeks allowed many to feel like they could breathe again; maybe find time to see friends in person, go to a restaurant, or walk into a store. Even before the mask mandate was lifted, we felt lighter. Yet five days ago, the world once again became a rocky place. Clients feel unstable â like the ground is shaking, like they are trying to balance on a big ball and not roll off. A big ball called the world. Many feel heart-sick at the events and the horrendous disruption of life in Ukraine, destruction designed by a madman in search of more power and more geography to call his own. Yes, it is not our war. But when the world is brought to us instantaneously, visually, graphically, and as we watch explosions and devastation as it happens, how can we ignore it?
Depression is caused by so many things. Some are born with a biological disposition towards depression. Others have what is termed circumstantial depression, where a specific incident, moment, or life dilemma has caused a sadness that with time will dissipate. COVID caused all of us to be leveled by circumstance. And here we are again. Not for generations have we had to face the supreme horror of war. This is not just an altercation between two nations. This is a militaristic design to combat an entire region of the world with far reaching implications. The dislocation of 900,000 Ukrainian citizens at current count, the economic upheaval that will resonate around the world, the vision of what one bomb can do has been the undoing of many. Yes, it can be frightening. Yes, we do need to know what is going on in our world and at the same time be conscious of how we are psychologically affected and how to protect ourselves.
It is okay to feel sad, horrified even. It is fair to feel a sense of instability. The best I can suggest is first, do something to help. It will make you feel less helpless. Donations, no matter how small, can assist in the needs of those displaced. Next, I am not suggesting being an ostrich, but turn off the news. Get your information second-hand without having to watch bombs exploding and bodies lying within a camera-shot. Visuals are provoking. When depression hits, self-care is critical. Exercise, eat well, sleep. Try to engage in things that are enjoyable. This does not mean you are callous, unfeeling, oblivious to the world around you. Unlike the pandemic brought under control by vaccinations, we cannot change the dynamic of this madman on a rant. We can take solace in knowing that most of the world is on the side of what is right and just and will use the appropriate power to stop this insanity. We have to believe that circumstances will change and with it, circumstantial depression will dissipate. And in that belief grab onto whatever sense of calm we can. Breathe!
Susan Winston is a television producer turned psychotherapist with a private practice in Great Barrington.
