How to deal with anxiety around current news eventsMaguire says there are a number of evidence-based ways to regulate feelings of anxiety when digesting news such as the updates from the ongoing Middle East conflict. Research consistently shows that high media exposure during crises increases anxiety and helplessness,” she says. Saying to yourself, ‘I feel anxious because I cannot control global events’ can reduce the intensity of the emotional response.”Ask yourself whether your thoughts are helpful or harmful. Brief pauses help the nervous system reset.”How to talk to your children about the Iran war, the fuel crisis and other difficult news events“Children take their cues from adults. The psychologist says staying connected to your friends and community is one of the “strongest protective factors against anxiety”.

Source: New Zealand Herald March 21, 2026 10:32 UTC