How to Cope with the Mental Health Impact of Witnessing War and GenocideWhat to do when witnessing global violence feels overwhelming and unbearable  Why Witnessing War and Genocide Affects Mental HealthAs the genocide in Gaza continues, and air strikes by Israel and the US extend into Iran, many people across the world are feeling overwhelmed by what they’re witnessing (Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Office, 2025; Al Jazeera, 2025). From images of destruction and forced starvation, to stories of children targeted by bombs, the emotional toll of watching these atrocities unfold is real—and heavy (A Jazeera, 2025, Klinenberg, 2025). Whether or not you have a direct connection to the region, this kind of global violence can trigger intense emotional reactions. You may be feeling:
These are all valid trauma responses. Your nervous system is trying to process something that feels incomprehensible. And in a world that often pressures us to keep moving, stay productive, or stay quiet—it’s easy to feel lost. Common Trauma Responses to Global ViolenceMany people experience vicarious trauma, also known as secondary traumatic stress, when exposed to others’ suffering—especially on a large scale. You might notice:
For those with past trauma, witnessing war and genocide can also reactivate earlier pain, including ancestral trauma, racial trauma, or displacement histories. Numbing, Avoiding, Dissociating? Why Disconnection Isn’t the AnswerDetaching from news, muting conversations, or trying to “stay positive” can feel like self-care—but often, this avoidance leads to more distress over time. Therapists call this spiritual bypassing or toxic positivity—ways of shutting down painful truths in the name of wellness. If you’re someone who values justice, community, or ethical responsibility, pretending everything is okay may feel like betrayal. At Deep Sea Psychology, we believe mental health isn’t separate from the world. You deserve support that helps you face reality without collapsing under it. Grounding Practice for Coping with War and GenocideHere are four trauma-informed practices to help you stay connected to yourself while staying present with what's happening in the world. 1. Feel Before You ScrollBefore taking in more news or images, pause:
Approach with intention, not compulsion. 2. Create Anchors of ConnectionIsolation increases overwhelm. Reach out to:
You are not meant to carry this alone. 3. Turn Witnessing Into ActionAgency combats helplessness. Consider:
Small actions restore dignity and control. 4. Honor Your Limits Without GuiltYour nervous system needs protection too. Rest doesn’t mean you’ve given up. Especially for people from marginalized communities, rest is a form of resistance.  Mental Health Support Without Bypassing RealityToo often, healthcare spaces ignore politics or push neutrality or positivity in ways that erase pain and silence truth. But for many people, mental health struggles are deeply connected to social realities, historical and ongoing systemic oppression, and community trauma. At Deep Sea Psychology, our team:
You don’t need to water yourself down to receive support. How Deep Sea Psychology Can HelpWhether you’re an activist, therapist, parent, educator, student, or simply someone who can’t turn away from injustice—your emotional response is valid. We offer:
If You're Looking for Support, Reach OutReady to talk? Book a video-call or phone-call appointment with a therapist who understands. 👉 Book an Appointment Online 👉 Contact Us 👉 Meet Our Therapists Additional ResourcesReferences
About the AuthorSilvia Eleftheriou, MEd, RPsych (she/they) is a queer, femme, child of immigrants, a registered psychologist in Alberta and B.C., advocate for anti-oppressive, trauma informed, and culturally responsive mental health care, and clinical director of Deep Sea Psychology.
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