Psychologist explains benefits of anxiety during wartime

Anxiety during wartime is a painful but necessary reaction of the body that increases our vigilance and, therefore, our chances of survival.

Social and military psychologist Oleh Pokalchuk stated this in an interview with Ukrinform.

He responded negatively to the question of whether it is possible to psychologically prepare for the Russian shelling expected during the New Year holidays.

“No, because stress is stress, and war is war. And it didn't start yesterday... I don't want to belittle people's experiences, but the very process of suffering and living through hardship increases our vigilance and attentiveness,” Pokalchuk said.

He noted that, despite all the reasonable recommendations to reduce the level of anxiety, people often instinctively cling to it: "First, it is easier to share it; it is a way to communicate with those who are experiencing the same misfortune, a way to feel that we share the same point of view. So these experiences serve as a communication mechanism which is painful, but effective."

The second point, according to him, is physiological: The body produces cortisol, which increases our anxiety, but at the same time enhances awareness, attentiveness, and other factors. Together, they allow us to be more sensitive to threats.

“It doesn't matter to the mental state whether they are imaginary or real. Yes, it's exhausting. But that's the price we pay for survival,” said the social and military psychologist.

As reported by Ukrinform, President Volodymyr Zelensky called on Ukrainians to be vigilant after Lavrov's statement about an alleged drone attack on Putin's residence in Valday and threats to strike corresponding Ukrainian targets in response.