Researcher explains the Ukraine war: Too much fear can make you ill

Created: 2022-03-29 05:19

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First Corona, now war: According to a neuroscientist, fear that lasts too long can make you sick.

The expert gives tips.

Jena – For two years, the corona pandemic scared many people.

Then there is the Ukraine conflict.

Researcher Barbara Schmidt explains why too much fear can make you ill - and what can be done about it.

Researcher on the Ukraine war: "Fear system designed for short-term threats"

The psychologist Schmidt from the Jena University Hospital researches, among other things, the topic of anxiety. One of her focal points is the reduction of anxiety and stress through hypnotherapeutic interventions.

Fear itself is completely normal and the body can deal with it - if it passes again.

"Actually, our fear system is designed in such a way that we only react to short-term threats - i.e. by attacking or running away," explains the psychologist to the German Press Agency.

The problem, however, is that pandemics and war are long-lasting situations in which attacking or running away is not possible.

"And if it lasts for a very long time, these conditions, then it can actually make you ill." Too much cortisol is released, which can weaken the immune system, for example.

Long-term stress reactions are unhealthy for the body.

Researcher: These tips can help prevent fear of war

To prevent this, Schmidt recommends several things.

On the one hand, it is important to realize that there are still threat scenarios that do not directly seek one's life.

It also makes sense not to watch the news right before going to bed, but to shut down at least an hour beforehand and do something pleasant - such as listening to music.

Restful sleep is important - "that's also a kind of discipline that we have to exercise there".

People feel threatened because of the Ukraine war - "Completely normal to be afraid"

But it is also absolutely understandable that people feel threatened in view of the nearness of the Ukraine war.

The fact that Germany is supplying arms to Ukraine could lead to fears that Germany could also be involved in the war.

It is also about a possible danger to one's own well-being.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz also announced on Sunday (March 27) that he was considering a missile defense shield for Germany based on the Israeli model.

"That's why it's completely normal to be afraid.

The thing is that we can't do anything urgently at the moment. ”So it's important to get information, but not to stress yourself too much.

I also help some people to take action - for example to help when refugees arrive, to collect donations or to organize aid transports.