Despite the Pentagon and White House Warning that a Russian Invasion of Ukraine was Imminent, Californian's Anxiety Still Spiked.
Anxiety was finally dropping in the Golden State according to Psychology.com.
Fewer Californians reported being "more anxious" in 2021 than in 2022, according to a study conducted by Psychology.com. This was welcome news and was an indicator that the emotional fatigue brought on by two years of pandemic was finally coming to an end.
Unfortunately this good news was dashed when Russia invaded Ukraine last week leaving many geopolitical experts wondering what Russian President Vladimir Putin's endgame was.
Despite ample warning, regular citizens across the globe and across California were left in a state of limbo, glued to the images on television, looking for a way to help Ukrainians on the ground.
Experts warn that Californians need to be on the lookout for their own PTSD triggers as well as "compassion fatigue." While this term may be new to most Californians, it is all too familiar to front line workers who have been battling COVID-19 for the past two years.
Compassion fatigue is a state of exhaustion, physical, emotional and spiritual. It develops when a person does not have the coping skills needed to keep up with the demands of the people they care for or for the situations they find themselves in.
Caring for others is critical and there is no doubt that it can be rewarding - but it can also be stressful and traumatizing. People in helping professions often face situations where they know what to do, but it may not be enough - or it may not work.
Caring for others is critical and there is no doubt that it can be rewarding - but it can also be stressful and traumatizing. People in helping professions typically face situations where they know what to do, but it may not be enough - or it may not work.
Personal vulnerability begins to show itself in the form of lack of focus, irritability, cynicism, depression, self-doubt and anger. Compassion fatigue can lead to burnout: a loss of meaning, effectiveness and engagement in your own life.
Experts counsel that tuning out regularly is perfectly acceptable for the sake of your own mental health. If you feel overwhelmed, seek professional help and make sure you are keeping up on your self-care.