If you are for the war there are things you can do as well. The most obvious, and most dangerous, is to enlist. Although it is unlikely that you would go to war right away (you have to be trained), if the war lagged on, you could eventually be sent to fight. There are however, many other ways to be patriotic without putting yourself in any potential war zone. You can volunteer at organizations that help soldiers and their families, or at organizations that help civilians in war zones. You can organize debates at your school so that the pro-war and anti-war voices can be heard together, and so that your peers can be fully informed. Again, if it suits you, you can pray. Pray to your higher power that any war will be swift, the casualty count low and peace will come quickly.

Regardless of your position on the war, in order to cope with the stress, it is important that you feel empowered. The simple act of doing something will do wonders to help you cope. Feeling helpless can be the worst part of any difficult situation. In that sense the threat of war is no different than any other difficulty in life; it is just on a much grander scale. Talk about your feelings. Talk to anybody who will listen (and even people who won't listen) and make your fears, feelings and thoughts known. Talk to your parents, ask them questions and listen to the answers they give. Talk to grandparents and other people you may know who have lived through wartimes. Consider dropping by a veterans' center and hearing what war veterans have to say. Don't be afraid to let people know that you are afraid. Fear loses its power when it is put out in the open. Finally, don't forget your own life, stay focused on the things and people you love most. Nothing can ease your anxiety faster than a good time with friends or time spent with loved ones.

Next Page - Coping with War Rhetoric - Pages 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8