A State of Fear

Exploring the Psychological Impact of Prolonged Fear during the Covid-19 Pandemic

The Covid-19 pandemic has brought about unprecedented challenges, not only in terms of public health but also in the ways governments communicate and manage public behavior. In her book, "A State of Fear: How the UK Government Weaponized Fear during the Covid-19 Pandemic," Laura Dodsworth explores the implications of fear as a tool in governmental communication. Drawing parallels with the insights of neuroendocrinologist Robert Sapolsky on stress.

While fear and stress offer short-term advantages as adaptive responses, difficulties arises when fear, like stress, persists beyond its immediate utility. In the face of ongoing uncertainty and prolonged lockdowns, the fear generated by the pandemic became a constant companion for many.

Exploring the realm of chronic stress provides a lens to understand the potential consequences of prolonged fear. Physiological changes induced by fear, akin to those observed in chronic stress, can contribute to a range of health issues like cardiovascular d…