'Heightened Emotions' as American's struggle with mental health during US war with Iran

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — The conflict in the Middle East is impacting the mental health of people across the globe, including right here in the Central Valley. From fear to anger, sadness to relief.

There are a lot of emotions and questions about the future, and the US’s involvement in the weeks to come.

Images of missile strikes, destruction, and unrest have taken over our digital world. Now, violence and the war with Iran at the forefront for many Americans.

“People could be feeling diverse emotions, but I really think uncertainty, fear, perhaps some disappointments are certainly in the mix,” says Christopher Ojeda, UC Merced Associate Professor.

We are learning more about the first American soldiers killed by an Iranian airstrike in Kuwait, each making the greatest sacrifice.

“Just hearing the sound that someone passed away, it always hits home no matter what,” says Angel Ramirez, U.S. Veteran.

The grief is a ripple effect through the military community, active service members and veterans alike.

“Being in the military, you share your life you share who you grow up with. These people, brothers and sisters to have one loss is heartbreaking, its an experience that only we share,” says Rebecca Aviles, Navy Veteran.

Angel Ramirez served in Afghanistan. He tells Action News that, along with grief, the shared sentiment is also fear of the unknown.

“It’s some uncertainty going back into war again when we just barely got out, and feeling the pain that now we are going have more service members again engage in war conflict,” says Ramirez.

Dr. Tamir Aldan has a global practice where he cares for patients here and in the Middle East, he helps families cope with anxiety surrounding the conflict.

“It is very, very difficult if you don’t feel regulated, to take care of someone else and provide reassurance and validation,” says Dr. Aldan.

UC Merced Associate Political Science Professor Christopher Ojeda is the author of ‘The Sad Citizen’ a book that dives into the relationship between politics and mental health.

He tells Action News he’s keeping a close eye on the national temperature and the potential of future political fallout from the president’s decision to attack Iran.

“People might also be feeling angry. I can imagine the president, when he was campaigning, said that he wasn’t going to support any regime change and said he was going to get the United States out of these foreign entanglements,” says Ojeda.

But above the hurt, military members say its the honor and the service of the fallen that will forever be remembered and revered.

The Fresno County Veterans Center, the VA hospital, and other community groups are just some of many places valley vets can go seek mental health help during this time.

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‘Heightened Emotions’ as American’s struggle with mental health during US war with Iran

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