Two young women sit opposite each other at a wooden table in a restaurant. They are both looking at something on one of their smart phones, which is lying flat on the table between them,

What to do if the conflict in the Middle East is impacting your mental health

  • 5 min read
  • 26 October 2023

Topics mentioned: social media, bullying, racism

About: If what's happening in Palestine and Israel is affecting how you feel, you are not alone. Support is available, and we’re here to help you find it.

How you support yourself is extremely personal, and self-care advice like 'go for a walk' might feel trivial right now.

What’s happening in Palestine and Israel is devastating. Our thoughts are with young people from Muslim, Jewish, and Christian communities who are experiencing pain, grief and anger as each day unfolds.

How you support yourself is extremely personal, and self-care advice like “go for a walk” might feel trivial right now. Whatever you’re feeling, we want you to know that you’re not alone, and however you want to support yourself or your community is valid.

If you’ve been affected by what's happening or what you've seen in the news, here are some things to keep in mind when the world feels especially heavy.

You are allowed to have feelings

Young people have told us they feel confused, angry, scared, hopeless, enraged, motivated and alone. These are very normal and human reactions to the terrible things that are happening.

No one should tell you how to feel right now. You may be deeply connected to what’s happening, or you may feel grief and anger in solidarity. All your feelings are valid.

Know that you are not alone and there are people who care deeply about you.

Your feelings may show up in unexpected ways

You might not feel “emotional” but you may feel it in your body. A tight chest, a pounding heart, feeling shaky, a racing mind. You may feel completely blank or numb to everything. You may find that you are tired, get annoyed easily, or just don’t want to be around people. Be gentle with yourself and check in with your body.

You do not have to go through this alone

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s important to acknowledge your feelings and speak to someone you trust, whether that’s a friend, family member, faith leader, teacher or helpline. Know that you are not alone and there are people who care deeply about you.

Reaching out for help
Don’t let others tell you you’re not responding in the ‘correct way’.

The news and social media

For some young people it’s not as simple as taking a break from the news. You may need to keep in contact with family members or friends who have been directly impacted. You may need your phone to feel safe.

Taking breaks from social media might feel needed to protect your mental health and shield yourself from harm. This may shift and change from day to day. Think about what role the news and social media is playing for you right now, how it is making you feel and if it is helpful.

Look after yourself in your own way

This might look like connecting to the food, the music and the spirituality of your culture. It might be reaching out to a friend who is in pain. It might be asking for help. It might be speaking up or taking action. It might be making space for joy and love. Don’t let others tell you you’re not responding in the ‘correct way’.

You deserve to feel proud of who you are and you deserve to feel safe.

Know that hate has no place in the world, ever

No matter what is happening in the world, there is never an acceptable excuse for hate speech, religious discrimination or acts of racism, Islamophobia and antisemitism. Hate cannot thrive if we reach out and connect to each other. We stand by you in solidarity. And we want you to know that support is available.

How to report a hate crime

A hate crime is when someone is targeted, bullied or abused because of their identity. If you’ve been the victim of a hate crime, or you’ve seen it happen to someone else, you can report the incident and find support through Stop Hate UK. Remember, no hate crime is too big or too small to report. You deserve to feel proud of who you are and you deserve to feel safe.

Hate cannot thrive if we reach out and connect to each other.

More information and advice

We have tips and advice to help you find the support you need. Take a look at our guides.

Where to get help

However you're feeling, there are people who can help you if you are struggling. Here are some services that can support you.

  • Stop Hate UK

    A confidential and independent helpline for anyone experiencing Hate Crime and discrimination. You can use the helpline to report incidents and get help and support. The helpline is open 24/7 and is reachable by phone, text or email.

    Please note that this service is only available in some parts of the UK. Please use their form to check whether you can use the helpline in your area.

  • Samaritans

    Whatever you're going through, you can contact the Samaritans for support. N.B. This is a listening service and does not offer advice or intervention.

    Opening times:
    24/7
  • Childline

    If you’re under 19 you can confidentially call, chat online or email about any problem big or small.

    Sign up for a free Childline locker (real name or email address not needed) to use their free 1-2-1 counsellor chat and email support service.

    Can provide a BSL interpreter if you are deaf or hearing-impaired.

    Hosts online message boards where you can share your experiences, have fun and get support from other young people in similar situations.

    Opening times:
    24/7

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