What’s happening to me? Part 2

What’s happening to me? Part 2. Changes in behavior and well-being.

Author: Dariia Serdiuk

How to deal with sleep, nutrition problems and constant stress.
In the second part of the search for answers to the question “What is happening to me?” let’s talk about well-being, behavior changes and how to help yourself.

The war, forced movement, separation and loss. The psyche of Ukrainians is experiencing a lot of stress today. In the struggle for your future in difficult times, it is important not to get lost. Therefore, we answer the common question “What is happening to me?” and tell you how to help yourself.

In the first part of the material (https://www.ukrainians.ie/uk/events/shcho-zi-mnoiu-vidbuvaietsia-chastyna-1/), we talked about the most common emotions that can occur under severe stress. Now let’s talk about the complex psychological states that a person may face.

What psychological states may arise? A situation when psychological reactions do not occur immediately is common. A trauma may manifest when the body ends the mode of constant activation due to the danger. Then the following psychological states arise.

Constant tension. Although the body is safe, it can remain attentive to the environment. There is irritability, constant tension, emotional instability, sharp reactions to sounds and more.

Sleep problems. Difficulty falling asleep, horrors or, conversely, the desire to sleep more than usual. Sleep is an important part of physical and mental health. Strong emotional shocks, depressive states can significantly affect this area.

Nutrition problems. Nutrition is just as important for health. Manifestation of eating problems is also very individual: loss of appetite or overeating, loss or significant weight gain, impulsive nutrition, and so on.

Problems with everyday affairs. It is becoming increasingly difficult to make decisions, do routine tasks, focus. This is a normal body reaction to strong emotions and constant stress.

Changes in mood and thinking. Manifest catastrophic thinking, perception of the world as hostile, the desire to separate from close relationships. There may be negative thoughts about yourself, your environment, and life in general.