Living under the shadow of missiles and drones

TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Sudden noises, flashing lights, or distant echoes can make some residents pause and brace for danger.

“Every sudden sound makes the heart jump,” said Dr Hasan Ebrahim, a clinical psychologist, describing the emotional strain many people in Bahrain have experienced since missile and drone attacks began nearly two weeks ago.

In an interview with The Daily Tribune, Dr Ebrahim said many residents are experiencing what psychologists call an exaggerated startle response — a heightened reaction following frightening or threatening events.

“When people experience danger, the brain begins to associate certain sounds or signals with threats,” he said. “Even when there is no immediate risk, the body may react strongly. This is not an overreaction. It is the brain’s natural defence system keeping us alert.”

For many, the impact goes beyond momentary fear. Some have become unusually sensitive to everyday noises. According to Dr Ebrahim, such reactions can reflect collective trauma when an entire community experiences the same distressing events.

“When a community goes through a shared frightening experience, the emotional impact is shared as well,” he said. “It can temporarily affect how safe people feel in daily life.” Another common reaction is hypervigilance, a state in which the nervous system remains constantly alert.

“In this condition, the brain keeps scanning the environment for potential danger,” Dr Ebrahim said. “Even minor sounds or movements can trigger a strong fear response.

This is a recognised reaction after highly stressful or traumatic events.” The lingering tension many feel is linked to the body’s biological response to stress.

During threatening situations, the brain releases hormones such as adrenaline, activating the fight-or-flight response that prepares the body to react quickly.

In some cases, delayed reactions may appear weeks or months later. “The brain does not process time the same way our conscious thinking does,” he explained. “It may take time for the body and mind to fully calm down after stress.”

According to Dr Ebrah i m , common short-term reactions include difficulty sleeping, irritability, sudden crying, anger, and recurring memories of frightening moments. “A person may seem calm at first,” he said. “But once pressure eases, the brain begins to process the experience more deeply. That response is normal.”

Mental health specialists recommend simple strategies to manage stress during uncertain periods, including slow breathing, grounding techniques such as the “fivefour-three-two-one” method, limiting exposure to distressing news, and maintaining daily routines.

“If symptoms persist for more than a month, interfere with daily life, or lead to repeated panic attacks, professional help should be considered,” Dr Ebrahim said.

Family and community support, he added, can play an important role in helping people regain stability. “Listening without judgment, offering reassurance, and engaging in calm activities can help the nervous system settle. Just as fear can spread among people, calm and reassurance can spread as well.”