Can we still keep calm and carry on?

Over the last few days, I started listening to the BBC while driving to and from work for the latest updates on the war between Israel and Iran, and in the afternoon while exploring social media I would come across an Instagram reel giving tips on how to prepare for a nuclear attack and I start thinking about storing more water and tinned food at home.

The recent military conflict between Israel and Iran and the constant flow of news updates via social media make many of us hooked to their screens wanting to find out more.

This exposure is bound to have a negative impact as we worry about the consequences of the war. We keep thinking about people getting killed and infrastructure being destroyed along with the financial and economic impact.

The British slogan, 'Keep calm and carry on,' originated during World War II as a wartime propaganda poster. It was intended to encourage the public to maintain morale and remain composed while continuing their daily lives despite the challenges. But in the age of 24/7 media, viral posts, and algorithms that thrive on anxiety, this advice is easier said than done.

Unlike previous generations who received updates through a daily newspaper or scheduled broadcasts, we now have access to constant information. Videos, images, and speculations are shared faster than they can be verified.

This continuous exposure to distressing news can be detrimental to our mental health. Symptoms such as insomnia, irritability, and restlessness, are becoming increasingly common.

Moreover, for many people in the region, the war is not just geopolitical. It feels personal. Whether through shared identity, humanitarian concern, or fear of local repercussions. The mind struggles to distinguish between direct and indirect threats, so even those far from the front lines may feel emotionally involved. This collective anxiety can affect our relationships, productivity, and even our capacity to plan for the future.

So how do we, in 2025, interpret 'keep calm and carry on'? Perhaps not as a call to ignore reality, but rather as a challenge to respond wisely to it. Maintaining calm doesn’t mean detachment; it means resilience and intentional living.

Here are some practical steps to protect your mental well-being during such turbulent times.

Start with limiting your news consumption by setting a fixed time to catch up on the news from reliable sources. Avoid checking updates late at night or first thing in the morning.

Select what social media content to follow, and avoid accounts that exaggerate or dramatise the news. Set up your feed to include uplifting or neutral content to counterbalance negativity. Make sure you eat well, get enough rest, and engage in physical activity as these simple routines help regulate your emotional state.

Share your feelings with trusted friends. Remember that suppressed anxiety can be more damaging than acknowledged fear.

Support humanitarian efforts or community initiatives. Doing good helps restore a sense of agency and hope.

We may not be able to stop the war, but we can choose how we respond to it. And in that choice lies our strength — to keep calm, carry on, and care wisely.