Trigger Warning: This article discusses war, violence, and the emotional toll of living through conflict. Please take care while reading.
Jad, a student and member of the TalkCampus community, lives in Lebanon, where he’s dealing with the challenges of living through the ongoing conflict.
We asked Jad if he would share how he's coping with the devastating events unfolding in his country and how he continues to move forward despite it all. He generously offered to share his story.
I’m writing this to share my personal experience and how I’m coping with the latest events in Lebanon — how I manage while my country is facing missiles like rain falling over our heads.
Lately, Lebanon has been the target of many unprecedented foreign attacks. Every day we wake up to new tragedies. Families are being killed by airstrikes, cities are being destroyed, and all schools and universities are closed. Total chaos.
As a student living in Lebanon, how am I supposed to keep up with my academic work? How can I focus on anything when I’m constantly receiving alerts and updates in group chats?
The situation is critical. But I realised that to survive and continue living, I need to define my priorities so I don’t lose sight of what’s important. Right now, my top priority is myself.
Why focus on myself?
What good will come from watching the news all day and losing track of my studies? Will that help me or my future? No. But is there something I can do to ease the chaos, even if it’s just a little? Yes. I can focus on my education. I can continue learning, even though the campus is closed. I can walk my dog. I can do things that keep me grounded, despite everything happening around me.
Does that mean I’m ignoring the suffering of others? Absolutely not. But in times of war, you have to take care of yourself so you can stay strong for the people who rely on you.
Here’s how I’m doing it:
1. Limit the flow of information.
Social media, TV news, Instagram, X, Facebook — they can be both helpful and harmful. Have you ever gone through a breakup and noticed how suddenly your feeds are filled with posts about mental health, breakups, and narcissism? It drags you deeper into your problems, right? The same thing happens in times of crisis like war.
I decided to ask my family to stop watching the news constantly. It only adds stress to our household. By controlling the media flow, we created a little bit of peace within our home. Now that I’ve managed that, I can move on to other things.
2. Keep yourself busy.
Distraction can be a powerful tool to cope with trauma. If you don’t give yourself time to drown in the chaos, it’s easier to stay afloat.
So, I fill my days with activities: board games with friends, reading, studying, researching, learning new skills, binge-watching shows, exercising, cooking, drawing, editing videos, playing online games, cleaning my room — the list goes on. In the process, you might even discover something new about yourself.
Some people say, “I’ll wait for the storm to pass,” but waiting only makes you feel smaller. So don’t shrink. Don’t drown. In every negative situation, there’s always a positive thing you can hold on to.
3. Focus on resilience.
It’s not easy. It never is. But resilience is something we are all capable of, no matter how difficult the situation. Everyone can bounce back and find the temporary balance they’re searching for, even in times of chaos.
This is how I’ve learned to dance in the rain — and you can too.
How can the TalkCampus community offer support?
Since TalkCampus is an international platform, discussions on sensitive topics like the ongoing conflict in Lebanon can sometimes spark clashes. For support, empathetic comments are often the most helpful. Showing unity, offering understanding, and being mindful of the language used can go a long way in keeping conversations compassionate and respectful.
If You Need Support
If you’re reading this and have been affected by a traumatic incident, please know that your feelings are valid, and you’re not alone. It’s important to take care of yourself. If you find that reading or thinking about these topics is overwhelming, we encourage you to reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or a mental health professional for support.
TalkCampus is here for you, and we provide resources and connections to help you through difficult times. Your well-being is our priority, and we’re committed to creating a safe space for everyone to share their experiences.
Find out more about self-care after a traumatic experience here: https://www.talkcampus.com/post/self-care-after-a-traumatic-experience
You can also find the Self-Directed Learning Module for PTSD in the Wellness Centre: https://web.talkcampus.app/wellness-center/module-detail/6007