You are right on this and it is usually worsened by listening to news where they will spread all kinds of bad news. The temptation is usually not easy and it is usually difficult for those who sold under this condition to come back to Bitcoin. The already called it a bad investment and accepted their losses. I think this is usually caused by failure of those who introduced Bitcoin to them to properly explain to them how the market behaves and what they are supposed to do when in such situations. If they are well informed, most of them will even buy more during bear season instead of panic selling.
Most of the mainstream media is misleading; here in our country, the mainstream media is very unfair; the good is reported with a bad image, and the bad is shown as good. Although there are some people who use Bitcoin or blockchain technology for evil purposes, But Bitcoin itself is not really like that.
In short, it can only be used for evil, just like fiat can be used for good and bad, but to always make Bitcoin look bad is not right. It is called misleading when this is done most of the time. So if Bitcoin is banned in the OP's country, it's better if he doesn't let others know that he's doing Bitcoin, because he could be in danger because it turns out he's a violator in his country, not because he's here in the bitcoin industry but because of the law that exists in their country.
You make a really good point concerning personal safety. Inst that ironic? Individuals may become targets due to out-of-date laws and regulations in their home countries rather than the nature of Bitcoin. Thus, exercise cautious. Comprehending the socio-political environment is just as important as comprehending the nuances of the Bitcoin economy.