The images of the war in Ukraine can cause these people to return to thoughts and feelings from before. In an interview with the pharmacy magazine “Seniors Ratgeber”, psychologist Christine Knaevelsrud explains what those affected can do and when they need help.
Never text before bed
Many of those affected think when they see images of the war: “Here we go again. I knew it.” They had been on guard internally since the Second World War and never fully trusted peace in Europe, says Professor Knaevelsrud, who heads the clinical-psychological intervention at the Charité Berlin and, among other things, on the consequences of war trauma and torture researches: “If someone has suffered severe trauma in war, this can be reactivated by current images of war. That means: memories come back, images of dead people, of one's own escape." An overwhelming feeling of being at the mercy quickly arises - as if the war were here, says Christine Knaevelsrud
The psychologist advises those affected to think about: What can I do differently? How much news do I want to watch? And especially when? “Texting before bed at night is not a good idea for anyone ,” says Knaevelsrud. “It is important to continue to have daily structure So that it becomes clear again and again: the war is not here with me.”
It is never too late for psychotherapy
If, despite discussions and attention from relatives and carers, you notice that the anxiety does not decrease over a period of weeks or that the stress is even increasing, it makes sense to seek help from a family doctor or psychotherapist. “Even if someone suffers from sleep disorders, thoughts and images keep popping up unintentionally, perhaps causing their heart to race, they should take action ,” advises psychologist Knaevelsrud.
By the way, it is never too late for psychotherapy. There are treatment approaches that are also very effective for older people, and you don't have to go through your entire biography, but can tackle specific issues, explains Christine Knaevelsrud: "For those affected, a new life sometimes begins again." However, there is only few therapy places. Therefore, the first thing that makes sense is to go to the family doctor. “If he sees the need, he can help pave the way to becoming a psychotherapist ,” says Charité professor Knaevelsrud.
Article image: Pexels
Source: PT/pharmacy magazine “Seniors Ratgeber” 9/2022
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