If you’re worried about the conflict currently happening in parts of the Middle East right now, you’re not alone.
Visitors to Australia and locals alike have been watching the recent news from the Middle East with growing concern. For students who have family and friends living in the impacted areas, the conflict can be especially difficult to process while living far from home.
While Australia remains a safe place to live and study, it’s important to acknowledge that these events can still have a very real impact, both emotionally and practically. If you’re feeling anxious right now, you don’t have to keep it to yourself; support is available.
What’s happening in the Middle East?
The current escalation began late last month, when American and Israeli airstrikes targeted several locations across Iran. These strikes resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and several other officials, significantly increasing tensions in the region.
Iran launched retaliatory missile and drone attacks against targets connected to the United States and Israel, including military bases, such as Al Minhad Air Base in Dubai, an Australian base in the region. The conflict has also drawn in other groups and countries, including reigniting fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Why this may be affecting you
Even when you are far away from the conflict, its effects can still be felt in everyday life.
You may be worried about loved ones back home or feel anxious about what the future holds for your country or community.
Distressing news and social media updates seem almost impossible to avoid right now, but if they’re having a constant negative impact on your wellbeing, it’s important to look away when you can and take some time for yourself.
Of course, the emotional impact is only half of it; there are also going to be practical impacts that reach us even in Australia. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz is already having an effect on petrol prices, with fuel set to rise to upwards of 300c per litre. We recognise the privilege of worrying about fuel costs when others in the world are going through much harder times, but for those here in Australia already struggling with the cost of living, it’s an effect that will certainly increase those stressors.
Soaring fuel prices will also have an ongoing impact on plane travel, with some routes already being cancelled due to safety concerns or airspace closures. This can lead to travel disruptions, longer flight paths, or delays for students planning to visit home or for family members travelling abroad, so be prepared for this and plan accordingly.
You are safe here
For Middle Eastern students living in Australia, it’s important to remember that you are in a safe and supportive environment.
During international conflicts, emotions and opinions can run high. News coverage and social media discussions sometimes simplify complex situations, which can lead to misunderstandings or insensitive comments.
For students with personal ties to the Middle East, hearing people justify violence, make assumptions or express negative stereotypes can be deeply upsetting. In some cases, students may also experience racism or discrimination linked to their background.
It’s important that you and your culture, just like anyone else on Australian soil, deserve respect and empathy.
If you encounter comments or behaviour that make you feel uncomfortable, you are not expected to handle the situation alone. The Australian Government has clear policies around discrimination, harassment and racism. Your university campuses will also be able to provide ways to report incidents confidentially.
Looking after yourself
Feeling worried, distracted or homesick during international crises is completely normal. Most Australian universities offer counselling and wellbeing support services for students, but there are also national mental health support lines that you can access 24/7.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, taking some small steps can help protect your well-being:
- Limit how often you check news updates.
- Stay connected with friends, classmates or community groups who feel like safe spaces.
- Focus on daily routines like study, exercise and sleep to ensure your physical wellbeing is also being prioritised.
- Speak with family when possible, but don’t feel bad if you need to take a break from heavy conversations sometimes.
- Most importantly, remember that it’s okay to ask for help.
