Current Geopolitical Information Wave Can Disrupt Mental Health

Global geopolitical dynamics in recent times have shown an increase in tensions, conflicts, humanitarian crises, and uncertainties in various parts of the world, which can impact an individual’s mental health.

From a psychiatric perspective, the current global geopolitical situation can be understood as a chronic psychosocial stressor that triggers chronic anticipatory stress, a state of continuous vigilance against threats that may not necessarily occur but are psychologically felt as real.

Massive exposure to information through digital media regarding conflicts, violence, and global instability strengthens this stress response, potentially affecting emotional balance, thought patterns, and individual social functions.

The Chairman of the Indonesian Association of Psychiatry Specialists (PDSKJI), Agung Frijanto, stated that a study shows repeated exposure to conflict media can trigger stress, anxiety, and even PTSD-like symptoms despite no direct exposure.

“In the case of the Boston Marathon bombing in Boston, United States, the longer the media exposure, the higher the stress levels, even exceeding direct exposure. In the digital era, this strengthens collective anxiety, while cognitive reappraisal serves as a protective factor,” said Agung in his statement on Sunday (5/4).

PDSKJI assesses that the emerging mental health impacts are not simple but layered and interconnected, with various risks such as an increase in anxiety disorders across various spectra. Prolonged activation of the stress system can trigger excessive anxiety, excessive vigilance, difficulty relaxing, and concentration disturbances. In certain conditions, this develops into anxiety disorders that can disrupt daily life functions.

There is also the emergence of depression risks rooted in collective helplessness. Continuous exposure to global crisis narratives can induce a perception of losing control over the future (learned helplessness), marked by reduced hope, loss of interest, and social withdrawal.

“It can also lead to an increase in the phenomenon of indirect trauma (vicarious trauma). Communities continuously exposed to violent visual content and suffering, even if not experienced directly, can show symptoms such as intrusive flashbacks, emotional numbness, irritability, and sleep disturbances,” said Agung.

At the societal level, social polarisation may occur, impacting psychological distress. Differences in views on geopolitical issues can trigger interpersonal conflicts, feelings of alienation, and reduce social cohesion, which is an important protective factor for mental health.

Additionally, sleep disturbances and emotional dysregulation can occur. Excessive information exposure, especially during rest times, contributes to insomnia, mental fatigue, and emotional instability.

There is increased vulnerability in certain groups, including children and adolescents, the elderly, individuals with a history of mental disorders, and healthcare workers. These groups have more limited adaptive capacity to prolonged stressors.

Agung also conveyed that these factors can cause long-term neurobiological impacts. Chronic stress can lead to persistently elevated stress hormone levels and changes in brain functions involved in emotion regulation and decision-making.

“PDSKJI asserts that mental health is an integral part of national resilience. Individual psychological stability contributes to society’s ability to adapt, maintain productivity, and preserve social cohesion amid global uncertainties,” he concluded.