6 minute read
REACTIONS OF PEOPLE IN STRESSFUL SITUATIONS
The Example of War big
by Yana Hordiienko
In today’s world, stress has become an integral part of our lives. We encounter it in daily activities, through social media, and in more traumatic situations that impact our psyche. Stress is a nonspecific reaction of the body to a strong stimulus that exceeds normal limits. Whether a person has been in a car accident, participated in combat, or encountered a bear in the woods, the stress response is similar. The difference lies in the severity of the event.
Stressful situations, such as war, present people with unprecedented challenges. Responses to stress can vary widely, depending on individual characteristics, previous experiences, and the type of threat. Despite the intensity and suddenness of such events, these reactions are normal responses to abnormal circumstances.
This raises the question: Do people’s reactions differ based on social roles and experiences, or are our reactions solely driven by instincts? In this article, we will explore what one needs to know about stress responses and how to prepare for them. We will also discuss strategies to help ourselves exit traumatic situations in a way that is healthy for both body and mind.
To answer these questions, I looked at the experiences of three individuals who went through the same event but experienced it differently: a psychologist (Tatiana), a mother (Inna), and a teenager (Alexandra).
Initial Reactions big
All three individuals experienced a similar initial reaction. The psyche, trying to protect itself, falls into a state of shock. Just as a person in physical shock may not feel pain immediately, during a traumatic event, one may not fully comprehend what is happening. Alexandra mentioned that she couldn’t fully grasp the reality of the war’s onset: “There was a physical response, but my mind shielded me from full awareness for a few days.” Inna and Tatiana hoped that the situation wasn’t serious and would end quickly, as if it were merely a “political game.” None of them could believe it was truly war.
Fight, Flight, Freeze Responses big
Flight: semi big
The “flight” response manifests as an attempt to avoid danger by leaving the dangerous place or situation. Teenager Alexandra described her actions: “I got up and started packing... my first reaction was to gather my things and leave.” Despite having a flat tire, her first thought was to escape the situation.
Freeze: semi big
The “freeze” response involves physical and psychological immobilization, where a person loses the ability to act. This reaction can occur in situations of extreme fear or shock, where one +feels powerless or unable to control the situation. Psychologist Tatiana stayed home, maintaining her emotional stability: “I essentially stood still. My first concern was my sick child with a fever. The second was my belief that it would end quickly. I stopped, focused on relaxation techniques, grounding exercises, and began reflecting.”
Fight: semi big
The “fight” response involves a readiness to confront or actively defend against the threat. Mother Inna, who had eight children, immediately took steps to protect her family: “Ensuring the safety of my children, stocking up on food and medicine, preparing for any possible developments.”
Stages of Stress Response big
Alarm Stage
All three interviewees reported feeling shocked and incredulous at the beginning of the crisis. This is also a highly active period, as the fight, flight, or freeze response kicks in.
Resistance Stage
During this stage, people adapt to stress, increasing their resilience and ability to withstand the stimuli. One might think, “Okay, I’m handling this.” However, this is a dangerous period because prolonged stress can lead to burnout.
Exhaustion Stage
If a person cannot eliminate the stressor, they may “burn out.” Alexandra described how she merely survived without considering her well-being: “In essence, you ignore your physical state; all that matters is surviving. That feeling of survival becomes more important than your own thoughts or self-improvement—at some point, you stop caring about those things.”
Coping with Stress
To turn stress into a strength-building experience, we must learn to manage it. We are not powerless against stress; in fact, we can significantly improve our situation. Here are a few strategies to cope with traumatic events and protect ourselves from the consequences:
1. Support from Loved Ones
Having support from close ones can be a haven of safety. Supporting others can also provide comfort. Despite the immense responsibility placed on the mother, she found peace in this way: “Conversations with loved ones, talks with my husband... He is my island of security; he can protect, advise, and influence decisions. Praying and trusting in God gave hope that God would protect us and never abandon us.”
“We tried to keep the kids’ nerves calm, saying, ‘It’s not coming our way; it’s okay!’ We tried to make sure that we and the kids wouldn’t have to deal with long-term psychological effects.”
2. Self-Care: semi bid
It’s crucial to prioritize and ensure one’s own safety and stability. For example, Tatiana, as a psychologist, prioritized her well-being to be able to help herself and effectively perform her job: “Initially, I assessed the current situation. Then came first aid: I took care of myself and my safety first. Only when I was able to support myself could I support others. I secured emotional stability, practiced relaxation and grounding techniques, and only on the second day did I begin consultations.”
3. Information Control: semi big
It’s important to be careful about sources of information and one’s readiness to process news: “It depends on a person’s psychological readiness. If someone is anxious and can’t regulate their emotions, seeing negative information can throw them into a panic. If you’re better at controlling this, it might help, as it sometimes gives a sense of control over the situation.”
4. Professional Help: semi bid
Seeking help from a psychologist or participating in support groups can assist in dealing with the effects of stress. Various calming practices and self-reflection can also be helpful.
5. Future Planning: semi big
Even in difficult circumstances, it’s essential to dream and plan for the future: “My parents said everything would be fine: ‘We’ll save up money; we’ll start building plans.’ Despite knowing that the house was gone, these hopeful thoughts helped.”
Conclusion
By delving into the experiences of people with entirely different lives and roles, we can understand that each person reacts to stress differently. While reactions may be similar, each individual’s experience and circumstances are unique. Understanding and accepting these reactions help us better prepare for stressful situations and find ways to support ourselves and those around us. Despite the complexity and challenges that stress brings, it is crucial to find the strength and resources to overcome these trials.
