Parents' reactions to threatening international events take many forms, depending on how close to the situation they perceive themselves to be, and on whether they have known anyone personally involved. Counselling psychologist, Marie Murray, advises that feeling anxious may make you:

Need to discuss the event for long periods.

Need to find an explanation or even a scapegoat - this can take the form of blaming the victim, for e.g., American foreign policy, or demonising all non-Western races or cultures.

Feeling financially insecure, particularly if investments are likely to be affected.

Wondering about the world that they have brought children into - thinking about the predictions of Nostradamus and the secrets of Fatima and the unfolding of events, wars, floods and pestilence.

Anxiety at separations from spouses, particularly if they are travelling, and especially if they are doing so by aircraft.

Fear of cities and of large or notable buildings.

Depending on their own previous life events and how close to this situation they are or perceive themselves to be, adults may experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress, such as guilt, fearfulness, generalised anxiety, hypervigilance, distress, suspiciousness and loss of any sense of personal safety.