With a war in Iraq and warnings of terrorist threats at home, Americans are living in frightening and uncertain times. Feeling irritable, anxious, or helpless are common reactions to the stressful world situation--whether you have loved ones in the armed forces or are simply exposed to the barrage of news coverage on TV.

While it is normal to feel stressed in times of conflict, allowing stress to go unchecked can undermine your health and well-being. Here are some ways you can help yourself and your family cope with the challenges of wartime:

• Limit the time you spend watching war coverage on TV. During the first war in the Persian Gulf, commentators coined the phrase "CNN syndrome" to describe some viewers' compulsion to watch the war unfold around the clock. But facing graphic, disturbing news and images morning, noon, and night can increase anxiety. Instead, decide in advance how much time you want to devote to news-watching, and stick to those limits.
• If you have children, monitor their TV consumption. With war-related coverage on TV at all hours, you may want to take extra precautions to make sure what they see is age-appropriate. Even more important than what children see on TV, however, is how they see you respond. It's OK to show them that you are concerned and even afraid, but they should also be reassured that you are not overwhelmed and can cope with those feelings. (If you do feel unable to cope, seek professional help.)
• Spend extra time with your family in a TV-free zone. Playing a game, going for a walk, or enjoying other activities together can be a great way to let off steam and focus on the positive aspects of life. Activities involving exercise can be particularly helpful for relieving stress.
• Be available to talk with your kids about their feelings. If you see your children showing concern, ask how they're feeling—and spend time really listening. It may take a while for them to open up. Teenagers in particular may have difficulty admitting to feeling anxious and wanting your support. Instead of asking for help, they may act out and push limits more than ever. Recognizing that their actions may mask fear and making a particular effort to show your concern can help.
• Take advantage of online resources. A number of organizations have made resources available on the Web to help individuals and families through these trouble-filled days. The National Mental Health Association, the Veterans Affairs National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, and the American Red Cross all offer valuable information for coping with stress on their Web sites.