Tuesday, February 17, 2026-Across Iran, an emotional storm is overtaking daily life as the effects of deadly unrest and a harsh government crackdown reverberate through society. After weeks of antigovernment demonstrations sparked by economic hardship and political frustration, many Iranians describe living with an overwhelming mix of rage at state violence, profound grief for lost friends and family, and persistent anxiety about what comes next.
Streets may be quieter now, but the emotional undercurrents—fear of further repression, distrust of authorities, and trauma from witnessing or losing loved ones—have become part of the public mood. Many say nothing feels “normal” anymore, with even routine activities shadowed by the fear of instability and sudden violence.
The human toll of the unrest has been stark. Independent groups and rights advocates have reported thousands of deaths during clashes between security forces and protesters, with many families still trying to recover the bodies of their relatives amid reports of intimidation and coercion by authorities.
The internet blackout and communication restrictions imposed during peak protest periods have added to the collective anxiety, making it harder for people to connect with loved ones or even verify what’s happening in their own cities. Psychologists in Iran describe a surge in chronic anxiety, deep anger, and unresolved grief among patients who struggle to process these layered traumas.
At the same time, political repression continues, with many reformist figures and dissenters detained amid a broader crackdown that has also swept up students, workers, and ordinary citizens. Public anger fueled by perceived injustices and economic hardship is now intertwined with the psychological impact of sustained anxiety and mourning. This mood isn’t just confined to protesters: ordinary Iranians—from teachers to shopkeepers—say their daily lives are marked by unease and emotional exhaustion, as they grapple with uncertainty about the nation’s future and their personal safety.
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