The events unfolding in the Middle East are creating profound trauma for those on the ground, while also sending psychological shockwaves across the globe. For families in the region, the impact is immediate and life-threatening. If you are watching from abroad, whether you have loved ones there or are processing constant news coverage and graphic imagery, the secondary trauma can disrupt sleep, focus, and emotional stability. Wherever you are in relation to this crisis, support is available. 

Navigating crisis as a family  

In crises like these, parents and caregivers face a dual burden: managing their own distress while supporting children who may have questions, fears, or confusion about what they’re seeing and hearing.  

If you have children at home, they pick up on your stress even when you think you’re hiding it. While you can’t shield them from everything, you can shape how they process it: 

• Help them manage emotions: Show your child simple self-soothing techniques for when they feel overwhelmed. Try introducing a mantra like “I am safe,” or remind them that anxiety is temporary “this too shall pass.” 

• Make time to listen: When they want to talk, tailor the conversation to their age. Normalize and validate their feelings, then reassure them that this is not something they have to worry about alone. 

• Maintain routines as much as possible: Bedtimes, meals, and normal activities create safety when the world feels unstable. 

• Limit their exposure: You don’t need to hide the news, but don’t leave it running 24/7. Answer questions simply and honestly, then redirect to play or connection. 

For age-specific scripts and strategies, WPO offers the on-demand webinar “Supporting Your Child in a Time of Crisis & Conflict” in English, Hebrew, and Arabic, because processing trauma in your native language matters.   

When your family is far away  

The helplessness of watching from a distance is its own kind of trauma. When loved ones are in harm’s way and you are continents away, your mind races through scenarios you cannot control while your body stays stuck in hypervigilance. You can’t change the situation on the ground, but you can sustain yourself through the waiting. Here’s where to start: 

• Set boundaries around connection: Set specific times to connect (e.g., 9 AM and 6 PM) instead of keeping WhatsApp open all day. Quality over quantity protects both of your nervous systems. 

• Stop doom-scrolling: Checking social media every five minutes doesn’t keep them safer, but it does keep you in hypervigilance. Set 2-3 specific times for updates, then step away. 

• Focus on what you can control: Send money if possible. Send voice notes. Pray if that’s your practice. Action—any action—combats helplessness. 

• Release the guilt: “Why am I safe while they’re not?” is a natural thought, but it doesn’t help them, and it hurts you. Your safety allows you to be their anchor. 

Download “Coping in Global Crises: Protecting Your Mental Health While Supporting Loved Ones” for more strategies on managing distance during conflict. 

Whether you’re parenting through uncertainty or supporting family across borders, these resources exist to help you maintain stability when the world feels unstable.  

Need immediate support? 

Workplace Options provides 24/7/365 emotional support for our clients, their employees, and their families through telephone, video, and crisis counseling. Access these resources here. 

In addition to these resources, TELUS Health (parent company of WPO) offers a crisis line available to everyone, and additional resources can be found here: We are here to help 

United States: 1-877-757-7587 

Australia: 1-800-512-188 

Canada: 1-844-751-2133 

Ireland: 1-800-817-227 

New Zealand: 0-800-035-890 

United Kingdom: 0-800-088-5338