topic Are we really on the brink of WW3 in Anxiety

Are we really on the brink of WW3

eth93 — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 08:54:22 GMT

Maybe I'm an odd ball. But the current state of the world has me quietly pooping my pants. I won't lie this all started with Donald Trump being elected president. But ever since my whole outlook on life has just turned into one anxious mess.

No, I'm not putting the blame on Donald. I think possibly the media attention has just made me more aware of the going ons in the world. Russia/American relations, China/American relations, South China Sea, Russia/Nato, Syria, Ukraine, trade wars.

Its all just kind of overwhelmed me and to a point where it is controlling my life.

I realize no one can say with 100% certainty that war wont break out. But I know there are some extremely knowledgeable people on this forum, so just hearing your opinions might help.

Are we really on the brink of WW3

white knight — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 09:31:15 GMT

Hi eth93.

You are not alone. I've even joined a USA based political forum on this topic.

It is not possible to determine if the world will break out in war. There are too many pliable issues.

Be aware that "sabre rattling " occurs a lot. Countries threaten then go quiet. This can be alarming for those that keep abreast of overseas conflicts.

Overall there us reason to be concerned. The South China Sea and Korea possible conflict could include Japan, Taiwan and USA.

Iran could be attacked by Israel alone of with the USA. Countries like Saudi Arabia. ..could go either way with loyalty.

Crimea/Ukraine I think will settle down as USA dont want arguements with Russia.

All this started before Trump was elected. He could be the tough nut USA needs for such conflicts.

Although I take an intetest I dont worry about it because it wont change things.

And it may not happen.

Tony WK

Are we really on the brink of WW3

blondguy — Sat, 25 Feb 2017 09:31:59 GMT

I was a kid when the cuban missile crisis was happening and we were pretty close to WW3 (Thermo Nuclear) then with the silly fears instilled into us with communism is bad etc etc. It was scary....even though I was 6 years old.

I cant stand Donald Trump but the economy is lifting again after he won the election. Building up the military makes me a bit nervous but his ego is too big and needs to be patted on the head where his business expertise is

I think he already spoken to Ford (US) and talked them out of moving to Mexico to manufacture...:-)

China has always mentioned that it will grow through increasing their manufacturing...not military....they did mention that years ago and they have done it.

Just my opinion Eth: North Korea is an issue....and Isis....

It can be overwhelming but we are nowhere near the cubans being supplied with Russian missiles in the mid 1960's....

Good thread topic Eth and good to see you again too 🙂

my kind thoughts

Paul

Are we really on the brink of WW3

Croix — Sun, 26 Feb 2017 00:12:46 GMT

Dear Eth93~

While I do agree the world is in a worrying state, as you can see from such answers as Paul's, it always in some sort of trouble.

I've have chronic anxiety, plus other issues, for a very long time, and I see from your other posts you suffer from anxiety too.

In my own case I've gradually shrunk down the size of the world I deal with to match my capabilities. I.e. if my neighbor cuts his hand I'm on it, pressure bandage, drive him to A&E.

I try not to take on bigger issues where I have no hope whatsoever of doing anything positive. I research and vote in elections, I help charities that do some good, and I try to let other matters go by.

This is not from a lack of interest or denial of responsibility. It is basic self-protection. If I regularly watch the news my background stress levels increase and my symptoms start to increase to match. The opposite is true, if I leave the news and similar things alone, my symptoms by and large decrease.

True the world needs informed people, however I'm only capable of dealing with my own little patch. If I were to take it all on board eventually I'd likely crash and become a liability.

My best wishes

Croix

Are we really on the brink of WW3

Guest_829 — Sun, 26 Feb 2017 01:12:49 GMT

i seriously dont feel like were in too much danger at the moment.i watch the abc an sbs news to find out whats happening in the wider world and theres a lot of spotlights on trouble spots around the world and whole waves of refuges are moving around europe looking for a better life,but theres a whole lot of good news happening,like medical break throughs,and wider tolerance and people bending over backwards to help strangers from other countries.theres still decent people in the world.theres still people fighting for better things.theres always some conflict happening in small pockets of the planet,but the bulk of its still there and getting along.maybe we just dont hear enough about the quieter regions and peoples because they dont attract anyones attention.i believe this.but i feel this as well.i keep watching the news hoping some leader will step forward and put an end to conflicts over here,and make a change over there.

Are we really on the brink of WW3

eth93 — Sun, 26 Feb 2017 05:57:51 GMT

Dammit! I had a huge reply written out and then I lost it all. Any way. I just wanted to say a huge thank you to all who took the time to reply. At the moment I feel my relationship with this forum is very one sided. I'm just not in the right headspace at the moment to be giving out advice to others. I really do appreciate every single reply.

White knight - Don't you get scared? News articles are bad enough. But I find the comments that people leave even worse. If I read some Joeblow suggesting we are going to war. Its all over for the rest of the day for me.. Oh I'm definitely not blaming Trump. I think it was just all the media attention that the election was getting. I dug into all I could find about both Trump and Hillary.. Trumps take on Russia actually put me at ease for a while there. That was until the next news article came along.

blondguy - Do you really think that China will stick to manufacturing? I'm so scared that China will invade Australia. All our minerals and what not.

Croix - Yep, we are very similar. Except I've yet to master self control with media outlets. It's everywhere. Just being bombarded with this news article and that news article. Funny thing is I know that the media are just trying to stir up viewers. No one wants to read about the good going ons with the world.

mykl - Yep, no one wants to hear about the good things. Sad really. I often ponder why we can't all just get along. We are after all the same. Fingers crossed for the future my friend.

Are we really on the brink of WW3

geoff — Sun, 26 Feb 2017 19:41:02 GMT

hi Eth, there is a phobia for this called 'traumatophobia' which is a fear of war or physical injury, just as there are plenty of other phobias that people worry about.
I was going to comment but decided against it, because who knows what will happen tomorrow the next day in our own life, family, work etc, nobody does. Geoff.

Are we really on the brink of WW3

white knight — Mon, 27 Feb 2017 04:35:54 GMT

I didnt know that phobia Geoff. Interesting

Im not concerned eth about China attacking Australia. We have treaties with USA and aggreement now with Indonesia likely due to any future threat from China.

Eth, its most important that these fears or phobia be addressed by therapy because your fears arent realistic. There's a difference in being concerned, worried and dwelling in fear.

What if's can be harmful.

Tony WK

Are we really on the brink of WW3

eth93 — Mon, 27 Feb 2017 06:53:14 GMT

Geoff - I have absolutely no idea why Geoff, but whenever i see your display picture, it makes me want to give you a hug.

White Knight - I've tried therapy before, actually four different psychologists. Most recent being mid last year. I don't know why i don't take anything away from it. But if you ask my mother it's because I don't put in place what i learn in my sessions. Can't help those who don't want to be helped.

Are we really on the brink of WW3

white knight — Mon, 27 Feb 2017 07:25:44 GMT

Hi eth

We with mental disorders can go about our business as we are but it means, without effective treatment we will struggle mixing with others and in your case, as Geoff also mentioned, youll go through your life stressed.

Worry is non productive. It rarely contributes towards your life positively.

Channelling this spent energy towards hobbies or sports means less time on topics like possible wars.

But if you dont want to change thats your call. My guess is that you either feel that changing to conquer how you think is too great a challenge or you are in your comfort zone.

Remember, you can observe without worry. Study possible conflicts without thinking its the end of the world. Realise that the percentage of possibilities are very low that Australia is under direct threat. Base your fear on that percentage and live life.

Are we really on the brink of WW3

eth93 — Mon, 27 Feb 2017 08:44:42 GMT

White Knight - Going back to your second comment, What if. I suppose I've given those two words so much power over the past 10 years. What if. Those two words have systematically destroyed my life. Well I should actually say I have let them..

Well hopefully we all have plenty of time left on this planet to give the middle finger to those two words. Much love!

Are we really on the brink of WW3

white knight — Mon, 27 Feb 2017 09:21:44 GMT

Thankyou eth

Youhave an advantage over so many...you have insight. You are aware of the extent of your unrealistic thoughts. You are half way towards a goal.

Look at it this way. You sit next to a seesaw. You have all of your worrying topics on one side. Nothing on the other

Each worry weighs one kg. So its weighed down on the worry side.

You take a worry you no longer worry about and you place it on the hobby side. Like overseas conflicts. You have lost one kg from the worry side BUT it is transformed into 2 kg because it went to the other side.

So, turn worries into interests....even a career!! Keep up to date on facts about possible conflicts, its politics etc. Knowledge will be facts not unknowns. Unknowns mean uncertainty.. and worry.

Cheers Tony WK

Are we really on the brink of WW3

white knight — Mon, 27 Feb 2017 09:32:11 GMT

Try this short teaf. Use google

Topic: worry, worry, worry- beyondblue

Tony WK

Are we really on the brink of WW3

eth93 — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 06:57:25 GMT

White Knight, Feel free to ignore this, I will completely understand as I realize it's a loaded question.

But, do you truly believe this?

"Realise that the percentage of possibilities are very low that Australia is under direct threat."

Are we really on the brink of WW3

white knight — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 08:02:40 GMT

Hi eth

I dont want to get into the possible senarios that weigh up if we will be invaded. There are far too many variables.

The fact remains that there is a better chance it wont happen and because of that, there is little reason to worry.

Spend energy on what changes you can directly make in your immediate world.

I use to worry that an old car l owned would break down so l sold it. 5 years later the owner told me it was the most reliable car he ever owned.

Tony WK

Are we really on the brink of WW3

Redav — Wed, 15 Mar 2017 06:22:11 GMT

I cannot tell you if WW3 will or will not happen.

But even it does, there is not a lot to worry about in australia.

Here are some Facts to soothe the mind

1. Australia is too large to invade, even the japanese in WW2 were content to attempt to blockade us into submission

2. A nuclear exchange is highly unlikely. It is a lose/lose scenario for all involved and despite the media saying trump is a loose cannon or dangerous, remember this... he is human and has human fears and desires. He will not destroy the planet for his own ego, The US economy maybe, but where can he build hotels if he blows everything up.

3. Mankind has mostly been at war, there are more days in a year, than years of peace on earth in the last 2 millennia

Only the US has the resources to actually invade australia and even that is questionable

The russians are concerned with Europe/mid east/africa

The North koreans are interested in the south, Japan and the US

The Chinese are unlikely to invade a country they own large chunks of anyway

Invasion of any sovereign country is a difficult prospect, just look at the fact the US is Still mired in Afghanistan and iraq

The Vietnamese beat the French, the americans and the chinese (Thats 3/5 of the permenant veto weilding UN security council)

You are more likely to be killed by a Cassowary* than Australia be invaded with hostile intent.

*Happened once and Cassowary was provoked

I hope this helps

I'm a war watcher and amateur strategist so I have some background, just don't call me an expert

Are we really on the brink of WW3

eth93 — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 07:07:11 GMT

I tried and tried to not post anymore silly questions on here. But after paying my respect at yesterdays Anzac parade, I’ve been in a bit of a mess.

For those that haven’t seen my previous post. I’m absolutely terrified we are on the brink of WW3. To really keep things short, I fear being conscripted and having to take another life.

Now my psychiatrist has suggested I wouldn’t be conscripted, however my psychologist has said otherwise.

So like any sane person I went to google. Lol..

So with my previous /current mental health + the fact I take anti-depressants. The Australian Defense Force would not currently employ me.

So my question is. Would that all go out the window come the draft?

Oh and I'm 24. Thats still well within the conscription age limit, correct?

Much love
Ethan

Are we really on the brink of WW3

white knight — Sat, 29 Apr 2017 17:07:06 GMT

Hi eth

I'm ex RAAF. I can tell you that any ww3 will more likely involve armed forces like Australian aircraft and battleship assisting the USA UK allies, not Australian national service personell like in 1967-1971.

Next, my advice is to not subject yourself to triggers. If you are easily triggered at events like Anzac day then find other less emotional events to pay your tributes. Self preservation is more important for the minority that are so deeply effected.

Finally, differences of opinions from your medical professionals is normal. Choose the opinion you most likely think is correct.

Tony WK

Are we really on the brink of WW3

blondguy — Sat, 29 Apr 2017 17:48:39 GMT

Hi Ethan

You never ask silly questions. It is good to see you again though!

Redav and TonyWK are spot on with their advice

WW3? Unlikely even with North Korea being belligerent. They make a lot of noise to induce fear...like a bully..

Draft?....You have nothing to concerned about as that has been tried before and never worked. Wont happen.

Im also on AD's Ethan and hear you crystal clear.

I know that our chances of being hit by a drunk driver are millions of times greater than any war eventuating

Great to have you on the forums Ethan

my kindest thoughts

Paul

Are we really on the brink of WW3

Bookgirl — Sun, 30 Apr 2017 04:18:34 GMT

I too have this fear but its been compounded by my husband losing his job and my father being sick which has led to panic attacks which is the first i have ever had even though i have been depressive for a long time. My mother who has also had mental illness and who used to tell me the world was ending regularly during the 80's to take it one day at a time. I struggle every morning getting up and dreading the headlines. I am going back to my dr tomorrow and have got a new pysch. I just marvel at people who take this stuff in their stride and get on with their lives. I get so frustrated at myself for not being able to cope when everyone else is. But i am forcing myself to get up and do things even wracked with anxiety and wanting to cry. I j7st want life to be easier but i know i have to keep going even though its so hard at the moment.