Wars, natural disasters, and political conflicts are constantly present in the news today. Through social media and smartphones, images and information from around the world reach us in real time. Even if you are not directly affected, such events can still be emotionally distressing.
Many people report worries about the future, inner restlessness, or feelings of helplessness in situations like these. Following the news very frequently can intensify stress and exhaustion.
It is completely normal to react emotionally to distressing news.
Typical Reactions to News About Crises
Global crises can affect people’s well-being in different ways. Some feel more tense than usual or find themselves worrying more often about the future. Others notice that they sleep less well or have greater difficulty concentrating.
The feeling of constantly having to keep up with the news is also a common reaction. This can create the impression that the world is permanently in crisis mode. Being mindful about how you consume the news can help reduce this strain.
The Particular Situation of International Students
International students often experience global crises especially intensely. When conflicts or disasters affect their home country, this can trigger additional worries.
Many follow news from home very closely and remain in close contact with family and friends. At the same time, everyday academic life continues, which can create the feeling of living between two realities.
In addition to the emotional burden, practical challenges may also arise, such as uncertainty about financial support or difficulties concentrating on studies.
Confidential Support for International Students
Some people hesitate to contact a counseling service. Reasons may include uncertainty, cultural differences, or concerns about confidentiality.
Our counseling services, provided by licensed psychotherapists and psychotherapists in training, are confidential and subject to a strict legal duty of confidentiality. Information shared in counseling sessions is not passed on to teaching staff, examination offices, or authorities and has no impact on studies or residence status. Many people use counseling services simply to sort out their thoughts or develop new perspectives.
What Can Help in Everyday Life When Crisis News Becomes Stressful
- A mindful approach to news consumption and stress can help reduce emotional strain. It can be useful to limit the times when you check the news and to take regular breaks from social media. Digital tools such as dedicated apps can also offer support.
- Talking with friends or fellow students can also be relieving. For many people, sharing experiences and processing difficult news together helps them put things into perspective.
- In addition, physical activity, time spent in nature, or other activities can help create distance and bring more stability to everyday life.
- Before going to sleep, it can also be helpful to avoid screen time and news for at least an hour. Instead of continuing to scroll or taking in new updates, calm and relaxing routines may help—for example soothing music, a book, an evening walk, or creative activities such as painting, coloring mandalas, or doing crafts.
Support and Counseling in Times of Distress
If worries or emotional strain persist over a longer period of time, it may be helpful to talk to someone about them. Seezeit offers various forms of support for difficult situations.
Psychological Counseling
Psychological counseling offers confidential conversations. In a personal session, distressing situations can be discussed and strategies for dealing with stress, worries, or difficult life circumstances can be developed together.
Counseling appointments can be arranged easily via our online platform.
Exchange in Facilitated Groups
Sometimes it helps to connect with others who are going through similar experiences. That is why we also offer group services. In these groups, students can talk with one another, share experiences, and make new contacts. The courses and groups are facilitated by psychotherapists.
Social Counseling
If emotional strain is connected to financial worries or practical problems in everyday life, our social counseling service can also help. Students can receive information and advice on topics such as financing their studies or available forms of social support in difficult life situations.
