How do we start this one then... 

Well -

Survival Psychology goes beyond the concept of a survival mindset, the will to live, though that is inevitably interlinked with and underlying most things that go before or after an event. Most writing on this subject examines the reactions of people to a disaster and/or its aftermath. We will examine those issues too, but I am going to suggest that we start before that and, in line with the purposes of this site, also include the psychology of preparedness, of being a Prepper, because that would almost certainly have a major part to play in the psychological reaction of group members to and after an event.

The Psychology of Preparedness

So, ‘Why are you here?’ Let’s not get metaphysical, I’m not talking about the meaning of life, yet, but about why you are a member of this site. And equally as important, why you are here when so many others are are not. Why are you a Prepper when your neighbours are not?

All living organisms are created with a will to survive and to reproduce. Plants growing in a shady spot will grow tall or turn towards the sun as the power source for their growth and production of seeds. An animal, will contest the leader of its group for a higher place in the hierarchy, to give it a better chance of continuing its line, but if sensing that it is being defeated in the contest will submit rather than face fatal injury. All people share that same instinct to survive.

And yet, some of us will prepare and work and fight to survive while others ignore the threats or will meekly accept their ‘fate’ when something does happen. Why?

If you accept the concept that a person’s character is a combination of nature and nurture, but we are all born with the basic drive to live, then the difference must surely be the way that we grow up. The depth of our desire to survive must be the outcome of the experiences we have in life, from our earliest days onwards. But of course, those experiences continue throughout our lives and whatever we have believed, as intelligent adults we always have the opportunity to learn and, from that learning, to change our minds or lives if we discover something we hadn't realised before. Having an experience that challenges former beliefs is what brings us many of our new members.

Consider, if you will, that much of our character is developed by wanting to emulate things we see as desirable in our parents and other role models, and rebel against things we dislike. Yes, while going through puberty and beyond, nature’s preparation for them leaving the shelter of the family and developing their own, many teens give the impression of liking nothing their parents do, and take delight in doing exactly the opposite, that’s nature for you! But at the same time they will often develop close bonds with grandparents or uncles and aunts and, while never admitting it, will later adopt many of the attitudes and methods, good and bad, they learned from their parents too. It’s something about which many of the mothers and fathers on this site show a deep awareness, and people new here should carefully consider, but it is also something we should recognise in ourselves.

And it is a factor we should understand about others. Most people who are not into preparedness are not stupid or lazy or hedonistic; they have simply not had a similar combination of life experiences to those that have brought you to where you are now. Nor does their lack of understanding of the need to prepare necessarily mean that they do not have a strong desire to survive. That can make them dangerous. If you are new to this site you will eventually find many discussions on whether and how to raise the topic of preparedness, with other people.

So if your instinct for survival hasn’t made you a Prepper, what has? Elsewhere in these forums you will find a list of ‘commonalities’ one writer attributes to people who survive. But even if they were true about people who have survived an event, they are not the same things that urge someone to prepare for survival. I’m going to suggest that, despite our many differences, there are 2 traits our life experiences have caused LSG members almost certainly all to share: a willingness to face unpleasant topics and events, and a spirit of independence.

Discuss preparedness with most people who are not Preppers and you will get one of 2 reactions: ‘Oh ‘IT’ won’t ever happen and if it does we couldn’t do anything about it?’ (Denial) or ‘But that’s why we have the government and the army, why we pay our taxes. If anything does happen they’ll look after us. They’d have to.’ (Abdication and dependency). I wrote ‘most people’ because just occasionally you will find one who is open minded enough to listen and consider seriously what you are proposing.

People here don’t share those negative attitudes. We are ready to consider the cataclysmic, we believe we can survive, and we don’t expect anyone to help us do it but ourselves and our tight circle of friends and family.

The people who are in denial will not cause us major problems. Most of them will resign themselves to whatever happens. Any efforts they do make to improve their chances are likely to be desultory; after all, what’s the point when it is going to do no good in the end?

Those who have the attitude that everything is someone else’s responsibility are another matter. When the government doesn’t help, and no one else is coming to supply their needs, then they will start to look around for anyone else who might do so. Suddenly, if someone has something that they need they will assume, and state loudly, that they have a RIGHT to a share. Unfortunately for us, there are an awful lot of people in the UK who have this mindset and they could be a major hazard for us.

So is it normal to follow this urge to prepare, when Preppers are so much in the minority and so few others seem to worry about these things and follow the same path? Of course it’s normal! It is a combination of the instinct to survive, with the intelligence to refuse to abdicate your responsibilities in working to ensure you have the best chance of doing so, and a realistic and positive approach to achieving your goals. It is the people in denial and abdication who have allowed modern life to pervert what deep down they must still know is the truth.

Your life experiences have taught you that it isn’t always a pretty rose coloured world and that if anybody is going to protect you from the dark side it better be you and yours. That isn’t instinct coming into play, it’s intellect. It is going to stand you in good stead if, when, tshtf and the next series of psychological challenges are thrown at you.

David C