In the previous post, I noted that neuropsychic stress is a unique combination of the physiological epicentre of stress (super strain) in the physical body with the psyche, which refuses to adapt to unfavourable, modified living conditions.
About three years ago, I was treating a case of panic attacks in a man who told me an interesting story.
…at the end of the Second World War, Kyiv residents, being extremely mentally exhausted, went to Pavlov Hospital (in Kyiv), and, of course, the hospital could not accept all of them. Then the doctors got out of this situation in a very creative way. They put a large vat in the hospital’s courtyard, where they boiled valerian root around the clock. Everyone who came to the hospital could taste this miraculous drink. In time, Kyiv residents were said to have been cured by this vat.
Therefore, to relieve physiological and psychological stress, it is possible to use the creative solutions of the doctors of Pavlivska Hospital.
Now for the complicated task of adapting the psyche to the war conditions.
It is worth remembering that the psyche does not withstand uncertainty well. The longer it stays in ambiguity, the stronger the internal physiological epicentre of stress becomes. After all, mentality is a property of reflection, and uncertainty is terrible because it cannot be reflected in any way. The worst thing for a person is not being able to plan, predict, or think about at least tomorrow. This is the state of psychosis. That is, a total internal inability to act. The psyche is like in a barrel, locked in on itself and with a complete threat to life. Moreover, accordingly, in a state of uncertainty, the body feels the need for activity and action but cannot perform it. There is no one to direct the action to.
Taking these features into account, you should proceed as follows:
Break down uncertainty into specific actions. For example, create a list of significant people you must write to and find out how they are doing.
Establish an understanding of the war. Yes, the understanding of the war. If a person does not know what he is fighting for, he is quick prey to a stray bullet. If a person has a subjective understanding of the war, then the war becomes a challenge for him, and the person builds a series of actions to achieve this challenge. For example, if the challenge of war is a victory, then in a specific place of stay, a person should offer his professional, personal, and human skills, and competencies for the common cause – overcoming the war.
Remember that mentality as a property of reflection must always be in reality. For this purpose, you should be involved in the activity as much as possible. Even if you are forced to be physically inactive, write stories in your inner world and letters to dear people.
And most importantly, do not bring unverified facts into your psyche. The psyche, without the inclusion of consciousness, does not distinguish reality from fantasy. So, do not load yourself with unverified news and excessive emotional stories. The primary condition for survival in war is not to become a propaganda dump.
To be continued…
