Counselor emphasizes importance of mental health as war tears through Ukraine – WSOC TV


Counselor emphasizes importance of mental health as war tears through Ukraine – WSOC TV

CHARLOTTE — The sights and sounds in Ukraine during the Russian invasion can be difficult to process for many.

[UPDATES: Russia attacks Ukraine: Russia blocks UN resolution condemning Ukraine invasion]

Diana Pavlyuk rallied with others Thursday night in Charlotte in support of her home country, Ukraine.

Pavlyuk said her family is in hiding as Russia tries to gain control of their country.

“I did not sleep,” said Pavlyuk. “My family stayed up all night watching the bombing in Kiev. It’s horrible. It’s absolutely horrible. I did not think this could happen in 2022.”

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Mental health professionals said it’s OK to feel sadness, anger and empathy for families overseas, even if they’re strangers.

“We’re human. When we see things that are traumatic, our bodies and our minds generally would give some type of response,” said Damion Harmon, a licensed clinical mental health counselor. “It doesn’t matter if it’s 10 feet away, or if it’s 10,000 miles away. You’re going to feel a level of empathy and hurt and sadness for that.”

Harmon suggests channeling feelings with things that can be controlled.

He also said to stick with a routine, get adequate rest and exercise, go for walks or write your concerns in a journal to ease the anxiety surrounding the thoughts of war.

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It’s important to take care of your mental health as much as your physical well-being.

(Watch the video below: Russia attacks Ukraine: What you need to know)




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