How to talk to loved ones about Ukraine and other distressing news
Empathy for the plight of the people of Ukraine is entirely natural and appropriate. But the constant stream of upsetting news can harm the mental well-being of vulnerable individuals, such as children and people who have lived through their own traumatic events. Medical News Today asked psychotherapists for advice about how to discuss distressing news sensitively.
We live in an age when anyone wielding a smartphone in a war zone can show the rest of the world exactly what is happening. The technology makes it harder for state-controlled media to conceal the truth and helps to hold both sides of the conflict to account.
But the barrage of distressing stories and images on social media and television can also harm the mental well-being of vulnerable individuals.