How Global Uncertainty Can Affect Our Nervous System - and how to find some calm and stability

In recent weeks, I have observed people feeling more unsettled, on edge, or unusually fatigued — even when nothing obvious in their personal life appears to explain it. For some, this sense of unease feels familiar, echoing the early days of the COVID pandemic, when the world seemed to shift suddenly and no one quite knew what was coming next.

While much of this instability may be happening far beyond Australia’s borders, global events do not stay contained. In an interconnected world, uncertainty at a leadership and societal level can ripple outward, influencing how safe, predictable, and coherent the world feels — and our nervous systems are highly sensitive to these cues.

The Nervous System and the Need for Predictability

Human nervous systems evolved to assess safety not only at a personal level, but also at a collective and environmental level. Stability, predictability, and shared meaning help regulate our sense of safety. When these are disrupted — especially on a large scale — it can subtly activate stress responses, even if we are not consciously focused on the cause.

Periods of global instability often involve:

• Conflicting messages from leaders

• Rapidly changing circumstances

• A lack of clear direction or consensus

• A sense that systems meant to protect or guide are struggling

For the nervous system, this can register as “something is not right”, even when daily life continues as normal.

Why This Can Affect Us Even From a Distance

It can feel confusing to be impacted by events happening elsewhere in the world. After all, we may be physically safe, employed, and surrounded by family or community.

And yet, many people notice:

• Heightened anxiety or irritability

• Difficulty concentrating

• A sense of underlying dread or vigilance

• Sleep disruption

• Emotional fatigue or numbness

This doesn’t mean something is “wrong” with you. It means your nervous system is responding to ongoing uncertainty and lack of resolution.

In much the same way that the early stages of COVID created widespread nervous system activation — before many people could name what they were feeling — current global instability can have a similar, quieter effect.

The Silence Around Collective Stress

Interestingly, these experiences are not always openly discussed. Many people sense something is off, yet feel unsure how to talk about it, or whether it even “counts” as something worth acknowledging.

Avoidance and minimisation are understandable responses to uncertainty. When things feel too large, too complex, or too overwhelming, it can feel safer to focus narrowly on daily tasks and personal responsibilities.

However, unacknowledged stress does not disappear — it often shows up indirectly, through the body, emotions, or behaviour.

How Global Uncertainty Can Show Up Day to Day

When collective stress is present, it may appear in subtle ways, such as:

• Reduced tolerance for everyday stressors

• Increased reactivity or withdrawal

• A sense of being constantly “on edge”

• Feeling flat, disconnected, or unmotivated

• A desire to switch off or avoid the news entirely

These are not personal failures. They are adaptive nervous system responses to prolonged uncertainty.

The Value of Naming What’s Happening

One of the most regulating things we can do is name what we are responding to. Acknowledging that global instability exists — and that it can affect us — helps reduce confusion and self-blame.

This doesn’t require constant engagement with news or analysis. In fact, healthy boundaries around information are important. But quiet acknowledgement — “This is a lot for nervous systems to hold” — can be grounding in itself.

From a trauma-informed perspective, safety is supported not only by external conditions, but by coherence, meaning, and shared understanding. When those are shaken at a global level, it makes sense that many people feel unsettled, even if they can’t immediately explain why.

Supporting Your Nervous System During Uncertain Times

While we cannot control global events, we can support our nervous system by:

• Maintaining predictable daily rhythms

• Staying connected to safe, trusted people

• Limiting exposure to overwhelming information

• Grounding attention in the present moment

• Being gentle with changes in energy, mood, or focus

• Spending time in nature

Periods of collective uncertainty are not times to demand more from ourselves, but to recognise the load we are already carrying.

Disclaimer:

This article is intended as general information only and does not replace individual psychological assessment or treatment.