Mental Well Being At Time Of War
Staying Sane and Informed: Navigating Anxiety, Fake News, and Social Media During War in India
In times of war, the battlefield is not confined to borders and frontlines alone. The psychological war in people’s minds, the flood of misinformation, and the overwhelming influence of social media create a parallel crisis. If India were to face a war, citizens would not only need physical safety but also mental resilience, clarity of information, and digital responsibility. In such times, staying calm, informed, and responsible can make a significant difference in both personal and national well-being.
1. Managing Anxiety During Wartime
War brings a wave of uncertainty. The fear of loss, destruction, and the unknown can cause widespread anxiety among the civilian population. This anxiety, if not handled properly, may spiral into panic or psychological breakdowns. Therefore, managing emotional well-being becomes crucial.
Limit Exposure to News: It’s important to stay informed, but a constant stream of disturbing images, videos, or headlines can intensify fear. Designate specific times during the day to check updates and rely only on trusted news sources like DD News, All India Radio, or government press releases. Avoid watching sensationalist or fear-driven news channels for extended periods.
Stick to a Routine: Even during uncertain times, maintaining a daily routine helps restore a sense of normalcy and control. Wake up at regular hours, eat nutritious meals, engage in light exercise, and find time to rest and sleep adequately.
Practice Relaxation Techniques: Meditation, deep-breathing exercises, or simply focusing on the present moment can help manage anxiety. Apps like Headspace, Calm, or even YouTube meditation videos can be helpful tools. Reading spiritual texts or engaging in hobbies can also bring mental peace.
Communicate with Loved Ones: Isolation fuels fear. Stay connected with family and friends through phone or video calls. Sharing your emotions with someone trustworthy can lighten your mental load and prevent emotional bottling.
Focus on What You Can Control: Panic often stems from feeling helpless. Preparing essential items, having emergency contacts handy, and staying ready for evacuation if necessary provides a sense of control and reduces helplessness.
2. Identifying and Avoiding Fake News
In any conflict, propaganda and misinformation become powerful weapons. False claims about attacks, casualties, or government decisions can cause widespread panic and hatred. The digital battlefield is easily manipulated, especially during emotional times like war.
Verify Before You Believe: Don’t trust everything that circulates on WhatsApp, Facebook, or Instagram. Before believing any breaking news or shocking image, verify it through credible platforms such as PIB Fact Check, Alt News, or BOOM Live.
Look for Source Credibility: News without sources, or those that quote unnamed officials, should be treated with suspicion. Always ask: “Where is this coming from?” Reputed news agencies and official government handles on social media are the safest.
Beware of Sensational Language: Fake news often uses emotionally charged words like “SHOCKING,” “MASSACRE,” or “EXPOSED.” Such headlines are usually designed to provoke fear or anger. Legitimate news is usually more balanced in tone.
Check the Date and Context: Many times, old videos or unrelated footage are recirculated during war to spread misinformation. Always check the date, place, and context of any visual content before assuming it’s current.
Report Misinformation: If you come across obviously fake or harmful content, report it on the platform where it was shared. WhatsApp and Twitter/X allow users to flag misleading posts. Contributing to digital hygiene is a patriotic duty.
3. Responsible Use of Social Media
During a war, social media can be a double-edged sword. It can help spread awareness, rally support, and connect people. However, it can also amplify hate, spread rumors, and compromise national security.
Avoid Sharing Sensitive Information: Never post about troop movements, military actions, or defense locations. Even if such posts seem innocent, they could be exploited by enemy agents or misused to endanger lives.
Don’t Amplify Hate Speech: War often ignites hyper-nationalist sentiments. However, targeting communities, regions, or religious groups can create internal strife. Remember, true patriotism means protecting the unity of the nation, not dividing it further.
Support Verified Relief Campaigns Only: In wartime, several fake donation campaigns spring up. Always check whether the fundraiser is supported by government agencies or reputed NGOs before contributing or sharing.
Don’t Share Unverified Content: Emotional appeals, fake casualty numbers, and disturbing war footage may be fake or edited. Never forward such content, especially in family groups or public forums. You might be contributing to unnecessary fear and communal tension.
Be a Source of Calm: Use your platform to spread peace, helpful information, emergency helplines, or mental health support links. Be the person who counters panic with facts, hatred with compassion, and rumors with reason.
4. Mental Health and Emergency Preparedness
Mental preparedness is as vital as physical readiness. The shock of war can lead to long-term trauma, especially among children, elderly, and those already battling mental health issues.
Emergency Kits: Keep an emergency kit ready with basic items—ID cards, some cash, important documents, essential medicines, torch, phone charger, and non-perishable food.
List of Emergency Contacts: Maintain a written list of helplines—ambulance, fire, police, government helplines, and nearby hospitals. Don’t rely only on smartphones, as networks may be down during crises.
Access to Mental Health Support: Platforms like iCall (TISS), AASRA, or regional counselors offer tele-counseling. Keep such numbers handy and encourage others to use them when feeling overwhelmed.
5. Promoting National Unity in Digital Times
Wars are won not just on the battlefield, but in the hearts of people. Maintaining national unity and a calm, logical mindset ensures the country stays strong internally.
Every citizen must understand the role they play—online and offline. At such times, promoting messages of brotherhood, respecting armed forces, being kind to neighbors, and avoiding divisive language is the need of the hour. Emotional strength, mental clarity, and digital responsibility together form the armor every civilian must wear.
Conclusion
If India ever finds itself in the midst of war, it is not just soldiers but every citizen who must rise to the occasion. From managing anxiety and staying mentally healthy to identifying fake news and using social media responsibly, every action counts. The strength of a nation lies not just in its weapons, but in the collective wisdom and resilience of its people. Let us pledge to be responsible, calm, and united—because every wise citizen is a soldier in their own right.
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