DR NELLY KAMWALE: Managing stress amid conflict and uncertainty

Stress is a natural reaction to challenges or demands, characterized by emotional, mental, and physical responses to perceived pressures.

It can be positive, driving productivity and resilience, or negative, leading to anxiety, fatigue, and health complications.

In a world marked by conflict and instability, stress often intensifies, evolving from a personal experience into a widespread societal issue.

War and Stress: The African Context

Africa has long grappled with internal and external conflicts fuelled by political instability, ethnic tensions, resource struggles, and external interventions.

Regions like the Sahel, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Sudan exemplify how war devastates individuals and societies.

Civilians endure displacement, loss of livelihoods, and psychological trauma.

For instance, refugees fleeing conflict zones often face the double burden of physical insecurity and mental stress due to uncertainty about their future.

Families are torn apart, children are denied education, and healthcare systems collapse, leaving people vulnerable to both mental and physical illnesses.

The lingering stress affects entire generations, perpetuating cycles of poverty and conflict.

Stress in a Globally Turbulent World

Globally, war and conflict extend beyond Africa. Ukraine's war, Middle Eastern tensions, and political unrest in several countries have created a climate of fear and instability.

Modern wars, often compounded by economic sanctions, cyber-attacks, and disinformation campaigns, exacerbate stress in ways unique to the 21st century.

Wars create ripple effects: food shortages, refugee crises, and disruptions in global trade impact not only those in conflict zones but also distant populations.

For example, rising energy prices and food insecurity in countries far from war zones highlight the interconnectedness of global crises.

These events amplify stress as individuals worry about economic stability, safety, and uncertainty.

Physical and Mental Impacts of Stress

Anxiety, PTSD, depression, and insomnia are common during times of war. Stress increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, weakens the immune system, and triggers chronic illnesses.

Displacement erodes social ties, leading to isolation and loss of support systems. Families lose income sources, and economies falter, creating cycles of poverty and stress.

Children exposed to war grow up with fear and limited opportunities, perpetuating mental health struggles and socio-economic challenges.

Coping with Stress

One should stay Informed and practice self-care: Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and adequate sleep are crucial for stress management.

Seek support: Engage in therapy, support groups, or talk with trusted individuals.

Build resilience: Community programs focusing on education, healthcare, and economic empowerment can mitigate stress effects.

Advocate for mental health: Campaigns should reduce stigma around seeking help and promote mental health services.

Strengthen humanitarian efforts: Provide aid to war-affected areas to alleviate stressors such as hunger and displacement.

Promote conflict resolution: Encourage diplomacy, mediation, and peacekeeping efforts to prevent conflict.

Conclusion

Stress and chaos during times of war is inevitable, but understanding its causes, consequences, and coping mechanisms can help mitigate its effects.

Africa, and the world at large, must prioritize peace, support mental health initiatives, and address the socio-economic repercussions of war to foster a more resilient and harmonious society.

 By combining individual efforts with global strategies, humanity can navigate the challenges of a war-stricken world with hope and resilience.