How to deal with stress during times of war

As Operation Iraqi Freedom enters its third week, some members of the VCU community might experience increased stress levels from war-time concerns. While some stress is normal, too much can have harmful effects on a person, said Charles Klink, director of University Counseling Services.

“Stress is like seasoning,” he said, explaining that too much stress (salt) can make life (food) distasteful.

In the past, Americans felt secluded from some of the world’s problems and had a false sense of security, he said.

“Since Sept. 11 that has been shattered,” Klink said.

Because of the war with Iraq and the recent terrorist attacks in New York City and Arlington, Va., Klink said most fears people have are based on rational premises. Students might be concerned for their friends or family members in the U.S. Armed Forces who are overseas.

Some traditional symptoms of stress include fatigue, headaches, backaches, anxiousness and irritability. Unfortunately, people who are unable to come to terms with their stress often turn to substances for comfort.

“Avoid drugs and alcohol to cope with stress,” Klink said, adding that substances do not lesson the severity of the situation.

Erica McCaine, a mass communications major, said although she is concerned for her friends and family overseas, she isn’t doing anything different to cope with her stress.

“I’m just keeping them in my prayers,” she said.

Stress-management tips

Klink suggested students try the following tips to work through any stress they might have as a result of the war or any other traumatic situation:

* Maintain good routines, exercise regularly and eat healthy,

* ascertain what things you have control over,

* fulfill your academic responsibilities,

* do something proactive such as volunteering,

* utilize your resources,

* engage VCU faculty and staff in dialogue,

* take reasonable precautions and

* communicate with family and friends.

The university is an ideal place to converse with others who might share similar fears.

“One of the advantages we have at (VCU) is that we have a diverse population,” Klink said, adding that students can learn to be respectful of other worldviews.

Media Dependency

In addition, Klink also suggested that students and faculty limit their exposure to the media so they are informed, not overwhelmed.

Thomas Donohue, a mass communications professor, agreed with Klink, citing the media-dependency theory, which occurs when someone becomes consumed with the media’s coverage of a traumatic situation.

“They get to be like war junkies,” he said.

Not only is a media-dependent person neglecting other duties by watching television or using the Internet, but also they are adding to their stress level.

Donohue said sometimes when there are no new developments during a war, the media fills airtime with segments that could cause a person to panic. He noted that this trend was especially evident during the sniper attacks this past fall. While the attackers only struck every few days, news of their terror dominated the airwaves every day.

Students should monitor how many hours per day they watch television or surf the Internet. If a person’s media consumption spikes during a traumatic time, they should ration themselves and get on with their lives, he said, adding that admitting one’s addiction to the media is one of the first steps in the process to a less stressful life.

Although a chemistry major, who wishes to remain anonymous, is fearful that the war with Iraq might lead to more terrorist attacks, she said she hasn’t been watching more television than usual.

“I prefer not to listen to a bunch of stupid people killing each other,” she said.

Students with children need to be especially careful during times of war. They should watch television with their young ones and keep a running commentary of the program’s content, including any background information and feelings associated with it, Donohue said.

As many people get more of their information from the Internet, Donohue said students should be cautious and compare their sources. In the long haul, he said, students should rely more heavily on print material, as newspapers and magazines don’t have to make split on-the-air decisions. He added that the broadcast media is often driven by emotions

Computers are also very isolating and do not promote social skills, Donohue said. Sources on the Internet are sometimes slanted and not reliable.

If a student feels like he or she is unable to take control of their fears and stress, Klink said they can visit the University Counseling Services. It is preferred that students schedule an evaluative appointment, but walk-ins are welcome.

“We’ve tried to be thoughtful about opening up space (for people),” he said.