KUWAIT: As the region enters the eighth day of heightened security alerts following repeated Iranian attacks, Kuwaiti authorities are emphasizing the psychological wellbeing of citizens and residents alongside physical safety measures. In a live broadcast, KTV interviewed Dr Dalal Al-Humaidhi, a clinical psychologist and faculty member at Kuwait University, about how people can cope with fear and stress during these uncertain times.
“Fear is a natural response,” Dr Al-Humaidhi said. “It helps us focus on what’s important, prepares us for potential threats, and motivates protective actions for ourselves and our families.” She said fear becomes concerning when it reaches abnormal levels, such as reacting with extreme panic to everyday sounds or remaining in a state of hypervigilance even after alarms stop.
Dr Al-Humaidhi described how fear triggers the fight-or-flight response. “Physiologically, fear triggers a fight-or-flight response. Blood flows to essential organs, extremities feel cold, vision and hearing sharpen, all to protect us,” she said.
“Given we’re on the eighth day of these events, with ongoing sirens, people are in a constant state of alert. This can lead to hypervigilance—being startled by the slightest sound. We’ve also seen people unable to sleep even after the sirens stop.”
She explained why people may feel tense long after the immediate threat is gone. “It’s related to cortisol, a hormone our body releases during danger. It peaks after 40–60 minutes and may take another hour to calm down. If someone arrives late to a safe place, the body is still in a heightened state,” she said.
She recommended creating a calming pre-sleep routine—turning off phones and news, practicing light exercises or prayer, or washing your face with cold water.
Small routines
For some, the stress taps into memories of past conflicts, triggering symptoms similar to post-traumatic stress disorder, Dr Al-Humaidhi said. Those who lived through the 1990 Iraqi invasion, or even heard about it, may relive trauma during alarms or air-raid sirens. “They can experience intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, and heightened vigilance,” she said. Avoidance behaviors are common—some may refuse to leave shelters or basements, even when the immediate danger has passed. “It’s a physiological response,” she added, “the body remembers danger, and the mind stays on alert long after the threat is gone.”
Dr Al-Humaidhi said older adults may be especially difficult to reassure during periods of repeated alarms, as fear can sometimes appear as stubbornness or resistance. She advised families to acknowledge their feelings rather than dismiss them. “If someone says they are afraid and the response is ‘there’s nothing to fear’ or ‘why are you worried,’ it can make them more defensive,” she said. Instead, she encouraged relatives to validate emotions and offer reassurance. “You can say, ‘I understand why you’re scared. I hear you. What can I do to help?’” she added. Reminding family members that sirens are meant as an early warning system can also help shift their perspective. “The alarm doesn’t mean the danger is happening at that exact moment,” she said. “It means authorities detected a risk and are alerting people so they can take precautions.”
OCD sufferers may engage in repeated checking behaviors or rigid routines to feel safe. Dr Al-Humaidhi emphasized that maintaining treatment plans and communication with mental health providers is critical to prevent escalation.
Don’t hide facts
Separately, KTV reporters visited child protection and emergency services to discuss precautions for younger populations. At the Child Protection Office of the Ministry of Health, Dr Noura Al-Omair advised parents on age-appropriate communication. “For young children, simple explanations and reassurance are enough,” she said. For older children, ages 8 to 12, she recommended providing more detailed information while maintaining daily routines and involving them in minor safety steps to foster responsibility. Teenagers should be engaged in open discussions to address fear, anger, or anxiety about ongoing events.
Parents were advised not to hide facts from children but to adapt explanations to their age and comprehension. Dr Al-Omair added that transparent, supportive communication helps children feel safe and reduces anxiety. She encouraged parents to distinguish between realistic dangers and hypothetical scenarios, allowing children to develop appropriate coping skills.
15 emergency calls
Meanwhile, the Kuwait Fire Force reported receiving over 15 emergency calls, mostly for routine issues such as elevator malfunctions or minor home fires. Officials reminded citizens to check elevators before use and maintain safety equipment like fire extinguishers at home. Parents were advised to supervise children, especially around kitchens and gas appliances. “A child locked in a kitchen with the gas on is extremely dangerous,” said Major Ahmad Al-Mashmoum of the Kuwait Fire Force. “Keep children away from potential hazards and ensure emergency numbers are accessible.”
Dr Al-Humaidhi stressed that parents’ own emotional regulation is key. “Children observe and reflect the adults around them. If parents remain calm and deliberate in their responses, children are more likely to feel secure,” she said. For parents or caregivers needing guidance, the Child Protection Center in the Sabah Health Area provides support for children under 18. The hotline is 147, and WhatsApp support is available at 90012315. — Agencies
How to cope with stress
For adults:
• Take breaks from constant news coverage.
• Stay connected with family and friends.
• Use grounding exercises, such as deep breathing.
• Maintain daily routines to help signal safety to your body.
For children:
• Communicate honestly and age-appropriately.
• Keep routines consistent and involve children in simple safety measures.
• Reassure them of your presence and safety measures in place.
For vulnerable populations:
• Monitor and support those with OCD, PTSD, or other pre-existing mental health conditions.
• Use grounding techniques and calm reassurance to help reduce anxiety or panic episodes.
Emergency contact:
• Child Protection Center Hotline: 147
• WhatsApp Support for the center: 90012315