Yesterday, the price of oil products, particularly diesel, zoomed upwards, shocking most of us back into the reality that we are living in volatile times in an anxious world.

The major hike in pump prices is the primary indicator that we are not isolated from the recent developments in the Middle East, the world’s chief source of petroleum products. The increase came on the heels of the unabated exchange of missiles between Israel and Iran, and the shocking stealth attack by US bombers on three Iranian nuclear facilities last weekend.

As we write this column, the Iranian government is yet to respond to an “ultimatum” of sorts issued by the US President. “Peace or tragedy” were the terms aired by the commander-in-chief of the world’s most powerful armed forces. Meanwhile, social media pundits have been actively exchanging views on the impact of these latest developments on the global economy, and the very fate of the world.

In the wake of these events, the question we have been getting from colleagues, readers, and family has been this: Can we just go on living our lives like nothing is happening in the rest of the world?

Others ask if these developments are too far from our country to affect us. Are these developments something we can ignore and just watch passively on cable television?

Based on experience, we do know that today, events in other parts of the world do affect us in many ways.

For example, when Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, the local power generation sector was plunged into a crisis of sorts. It appears a lot of the world’s supply of coal came from the conflict-ridden region. The supply of coal tightened which made for a suppliers’ market. The cost of generating power in the country rose. We ended up paying more for the electricity we consumed in our homes.

What would happen if the conflict in the Middle East were to escalate following the US action against Iran?

Our first worry would be our overseas Filipino workers. Our primary concern is their safety, and already there were reports of Filipinos in Israel getting hurt in the exchange of missile fire. Our second concern is the security of their jobs. A number of them now want to come home. We are not sure if they would find employment here or if they can make the same amount of money they earn in other countries.

The other worry, hopefully unfounded, is whether or not the escalation of the Middle East conflict would lead to the much-feared Third World War. For now, any talk about this subject would be purely speculation.

Meanwhile, the question is, how do we conduct our lives in a world that seems to be perpetually on the brink of an all-out war? How do we move on with our lives?

My fellow doctors who practice mental wellness have some sound advice for all of us. They tell us that it is the “fear of the unknown” that underlies anxiety. “Our brain views uncertainty as danger since there is no way to know what’s coming up,” a professor of psychiatry from Northwestern University in Chicago says. “In today’s world, anxiety can be overwhelming as we face all types of uncertainty,” she added.

We cannot control uncertainty but we can build our capacity to deal with it, experts say.

Here’s what they recommend.

First, calmly assess risk. Second, learn what you can control. Third, avoid imagining worst-case scenarios.

Having dealt with a number of major calamities brought about by nature as a local government unit, we have learned how to view the human situation from a more sober, calmer perspective. When it comes to things that are outside our control – such as what is happening in other parts of the globe – we learned to use the three “A’s” approach – aware, accept, and adapt.

“Aware” means to be properly informed and updated. Here, it is important to assess sources of information. Social media is not a good source since it suffers from a tendency to exaggerate situations for the sake of hits, views, and shares. The exception here is the social media sites of official news networks that are guarded by editors and publishers. They can be held accountable for spreading wrong information and are, therefore, expected to be responsible for their reportage.

“Accept” means losing what psychologists call the “illusion of control.” It is important to admit that there are events that could affect us but which we cannot affect in return. Acceptance helps us be aware of red flags and prepare.

“Adapt” means adjusting to realities in our environment. It involves managing the things that are within our control. This includes planning for contingencies.

The key to all these is “calm.” The state of calm helps us think logically and rationally.

We do not know what the future holds for us. It will always be uncertain. What is certain is that today, we have survived many uncertainties. We have what it takes to do that.