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Why uncertainty makes us anxious and how to manage it
One of the most effective ways to regain control is counterintuitive: instead of pushing fear away, sit down with it
- PUBLISHED: Fri 6 Mar 2026, 8:36 AM
If there’s one truth I want to share about navigating uncertain times it’s this: you’re going to feel anxious. However, while this anxiety is a completely natural response to uncertainty, that does not mean we need to sit in it indefinitely.
When the world feels unstable, the amygdala sounds the alarm, adrenaline surges, cortisol sharpens our senses, and our brain tries to find order in the chaos. Fear begins to imagine worst case scenarios and panic becomes perpetual, as do the ‘what ifs?’ that loop around our minds on repeat.
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On top of that, while anxiety may be universal, we all respond to it very differently. Some of us respond by consuming endless news, while others withdraw. Some pray more, while others prepare for every possible outcome. None of these responses are weaknesses; they are attempts by the nervous system to restore safety and control. It’s key, however, is to keep a close eye on when healthy vigilance slips into spiralling anxiety because whereas vigilance keeps you informed and prepared, spiralling anxiety steals your sleep, turns your stomach, and convinces you that catastrophe is inevitable. When fear begins to dominate your thinking and limit your functioning in this way, it is time to intervene.
How Can I Manage This Anxiety?
One of the most effective ways to regain control is counterintuitive: instead of pushing fear away, sit down with it. Make a list of your worst fears. Then, next to each one, write what you would do if it came true. If I needed to flee my house, what would my first step be? Who would I call? What would I need to have ready? Keep going until you have exhausted every scenario your mind is conjuring. This exercise works by processing the emotional reaction and separating it from reality, transforming vague dread into practical thought. And with a plan in place, the nervous system tends to calm.
If the anxiety you’re feeling becomes overwhelming, turn your focus to something simple and linear: count slowly from one to twenty, as many times as needed. This age-old practice pulls the chaotic mind and emotions out of turmoil and back into logic. Or breathe in for five, hold for five, and exhale for five. These small acts signal to the body that, in this moment, you are safe.
Just as important is tapping into the human need for connection; we have always thrived in communities. Know that, in times of war, isolation magnifies fear so take this as a nudge to reach out to loved ones. Practice deliberate gratitude with your spouse: when they make dinner, thank them not only for the meal but for their thoughtfulness and care. When we are considerate of each other, we feel supported and appreciated. That sense of support increases resilience and optimism, instilling in us a felt sense of safety that no headline can provide.
Be mindful, too, of how much information you consume. When we consider that each frightening story sends another surge of stress hormones through the body, we also acknowledge the need to limit exposure to specific times of day, turn off notifications, and give your brain space to adapt.
Finally, adopt realistic optimism to remain hopeful but pragmatically so. By this I mean follow credible guidance and take sensible precautions but keep it front of mind that human beings are remarkably resilient. History has shown us time and again that we can and we will adjust, endure and rebuild.
Remember you are not flawed for feeling anxious. And you cannot control the future. But what you can control is your reaction, your perspective and the way you show up for the people around you. In doing so, you protect not only your own mental health, but the emotional climate of the space you and your loved ones inhabit. And in uncertain times, that may be the most powerful act of all.
Gerber is the Founder and CEO at Paracelsus Recovery