Dr Jane Halsall, a chartered counselling psychologist at Cornerstone Clinic, explains how continuous exposure to worrying information activates the brain’s threat system that can lead to high levels of stress and anxiety for you and your family.
To read the full article, visit KHALEEJ TIMES, article written by Waad Barakat
Constant exposure to distressing news creates a state of anticipatory anxiety where the body prepares for danger and remains in a heightened state of alert. This can lead to racing thoughts, irritability, sleep disruption, poor concentration, and physical symptoms such as headaches. When people hear explosions, sirens, or receive emergency-related updates, the nervous system interprets this as ongoing danger. For many, the distinction between news and lived threat begins to blur, leading to prolonged worry and emotional exhaustion. However, such reactions are considered normal. These responses are your brain’s way of trying to keep you safe in an unpredictable environment.
When a place that has been experienced as safe is suddenly associated with missile activity or emergency alerts, the nervous system can react as if past danger is happening again. Possible reactions may include flashbacks, heightened startle responses, vivid dreams, emotional numbness, irritability or sudden waves of fear. This is not regression, it is the nervous system recalling previous threat memories. Trauma is stored in the body as well as the mind. Ask yourself whether your reaction is linked to past experiences or the current situation. Awareness helps you move from automatic reactions to intentional coping. Grounding techniques, limiting media exposure, maintaining routine and staying connected to supportive people can help anchor individuals in the present. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness, it is an act of strength and self protection.
