Some are pounding the pavement, Ukrainian flag in hand. And others turn in their bed hundreds of times, have obsessive thoughts, can’t get off the TV or imagine the worst scenarios. As Russian troops continue their advance in Ukraine, 92% of French people say they are worried, as indicated by an Ifop * poll published on Tuesday. Of course, their fear is not comparable to that of the Ukrainians who remained behind and who fear for their lives. Or to the concern of those who have gone into exile and who have left loved ones behind. And what about those who have a husband or a son engaged on the front lines?
But the fear of some French people is expressed more and more among shrinks, as noted by Jean-Christophe Seznec **, psychiatrist in Paris: “All the patients I see at the moment talk to me about the war in Ukraine. The unthinkable, namely war, has taken place. Some are just concerned, others are panicked. ” Same observation for Antoine Lesur ***, also a psychiatrist in Paris: ” Anxious subjects will react more strongly to this type of event. Because it reactivates past pain and promotes their state of distress. This can result in a certain irritability, sleep disturbances, stomach aches…”, describes Antoine Lesur. Especially since the French have already had their share of uncertainties in recent years: “The Covid-19 had already plunged them into a nightmarish reality. With the war, another bad dream comes true. They have the impression that there are no truces in crises,” explains Jean-Christophe Seznec. “They have the feeling of a world that is losing its bearings. However, human beings need habits and the ability to project themselves,” adds Antoine Lesur.
The fear of a global extension of the conflict
A concern that has two facets, because the French are both afraid for the Ukrainians, but also for themselves. “They are sensitive to the pain of the Ukrainians, would like to help them, but feel powerless”, observes Antoine Lesur. “They feel sadness for these European neighbors with whom they can identify,” adds Jean-Christophe Seznec. An empathy that does not prevent the French from also fearing the consequences of the conflict for them. “They fear a possible extension of the conflict, but also its economic fallout,” notes Antoine Lesur. A little tour on social networks is enough to be convinced. On Twitter, the hashtag #ww3 is flourishing.
And even if there is no immediate nuclear threat, some lock themselves into cataclysmic projections. ” They are afraid. Especially after the attacks by the Russian army on two nuclear power plants in Ukraine. And after Chernobyl, they know that the nuclear clouds do not stop at the borders”, indicates Jean-Christophe Seznec. According to the psychiatrist, this feeling of insecurity is reinforced by the perception that many French people have of Vladimir Putin: “He has the image of an uncontrollable head of state. They fear his reprisals for the economic sanctions imposed by Europe and the United States,” he insists. But according to the psychiatrists we interviewed, preventive behavior is still very rare: “A patient told me that she was starting to store certain products, such as flour. But no one told me about getting iodine tablets or a gas mask,” says Jean-Christophe Seznec.
How to stop rehashing?
This state of stress felt by many French people is far from inevitable. “It’s very normal to feel worried about the situation, because the unknown outcome of the conflict is an anxiety-provoking factor. But if this fear becomes debilitating, we must seek help,” advises Antoine Lesur. With a professional for people who feel like they are totally losing control. For others, following a few common sense tips may be enough. “You have to stop watching the news channels continuously to protect yourself and stay in control. It is better to read articles to get information, because it allows you to maintain a certain distance in the face of current events, not to be a spectator, ”recommends Jean-Christophe Seznec. “There is also a form of resilience thanks to contact with others”, assures Antoine Lesur. An opinion shared by Jean-Christophe Seznec: “The human relationship is the best remedy against anxiety. Chatter eases apprehension. Hence my recommendation to redouble attention for loved ones, to organize dinners, to participate in common activities”.
Engaging in favor of Ukrainians also helps to fight against the feeling of helplessness, according to Antoine Lesur: “Healing is also found in solidarity. Hence the importance of participating in collections of basic necessities, donation operations, reception of refugees…”. And to stop the thinking machine, “you have to re-ink yourself in the present, because anxiety makes you tip into an unknown future. You have to channel your energy and your emotions by getting involved in sports activities, gardening, redecorating your apartment…”, concludes Jean-Christophe Seznec.
* The Ifop survey was conducted among a sample of 1,007 people, representative of the French population aged 18 and over. The interviews were carried out by self-administered online questionnaire on March 1 and 2, 2022.
**Jean-Christophe Seznec is the author of Practical guide to survival in the event of a crisis, editions Leduc, to be published on April 12, 18 euros.
*** Antoine Lesur is the author of psychic distress, ed. Odile Jacob, 2022, €22.90.