When Daily Life Breaks Down

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

“Your response is valid, whether you feel anxious, calm, or somewhere in between,” shared by Dr Mariam Alammadi, a Bahraini psychologist and mental health specialist, as she spoke about the emotional impact of the current crisis on residents across the Kingdom.

 In an exclusive interview with The Daily Tribune, Dr Mariam Alammadi explained that the situation has created a quiet but constant pressure on people’s mental health, even for those who are not directly affected.

“The current situation in the Gulf is creating a constant sense of uncertainty,” she told The Daily Tribune. “Even if someone is not directly affected, exposure to news, conversations, and anticipation of what might happen next keeps the body in a state of alert.” According to Dr Alammadi, this constant alertness can lead to difficulty sleeping, irritability, overthinking, and feeling emotionally drained without a clear reason.

One of the most noticeable reactions, she said, is the difference in how people are responding. “Some people feel intense fear and avoid leaving their homes because their brain is trying to protect them by reducing perceived risk,” she said. “Others may seem completely unaffected, but that does not always mean they are fine. Sometimes it is emotional shutdown, and sometimes it is resilience.”

 “Fear is a normal and necessary response to danger,” Dr Alammadi said. “Anxiety becomes a problem when that fear continues even when there is no immediate threat, or when it starts interfering with daily life. Emotional numbness is when someone feels disconnected or flat because the mind is overwhelmed.”

Another major concern, she said, is the disruption of daily routines. “When daily routines are disrupted, it affects mental stability more than people realise,” she told TDT. “Routine creates a sense of predictability, and without it, the brain struggles to feel grounded.” Changes in sleep patterns, constant checking of news, loss of appetite, and avoiding normal activities are all signs that the nervous system is under strain.

“The goal is not to eliminate fear but to reduce its intensity.” She said. “Creating a simple routine, limiting exposure to constant news, and staying connected to safe people can help the body feel calmer again.” Dr Alammadi believes small steps can make a real difference.

Her final message was clear: “Even in uncertain times, small moments of calm, connection, and routine truly matter.”