NEW YORK -- Mental health professionals are reporting a surge in war-related anxiety as the conflict in Iran dominates news cycles, with experts recommending that people limit their news intake and strengthen social relationships to protect their psychological well-being [1].

Therapists across Europe and the United States say patients are presenting with sleep disruption, difficulty concentrating, and persistent worry about global events — symptoms consistent with what clinicians are calling "war anxiety." The condition is not a formal diagnosis but describes the psychological toll of prolonged exposure to conflict coverage [2].

"To cope with this situation, experts recommend getting as much information as necessary about the crisis and strengthening social relationships," said one psychologist interviewed by Euronews. "Maintaining daily routines and avoiding overexposure are key protective factors" [1].

Specific recommendations include checking the news once or twice daily rather than continuously, avoiding late-night scrolling, and balancing information consumption with grounding activities such as outdoor walks and breathing exercises. Therapists also suggest choosing neutral news sources over partisan outlets that amplify emotional reactions [3].

"The scale of exposure to war coverage today is unprecedented," said one clinical psychologist. "In previous conflicts, people experienced war through evening news broadcasts. Now it's a 24-hour stream on devices we carry everywhere" [2].

Breathing exercises and grounding techniques have been recommended by practitioners as a way to reduce physiological stress responses triggered by news consumption [3].

-- NORA WHITFIELD, New York