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In order to survive adversity, we must recognize our natural reactions to stressors; like fear/anxiety, anger/frustration, depression, loneliness/boredom, and guilt.

It is normal to go through these natural reactions. And when we expect these reactions, and plan for them, we are better able to deal with them, which increases our odds of survival.

Fear and Anxiety

Fear and anxiety go hand in hand. They are probably the most recognizable reaction to stress. When we feel we are in danger, or even anticipate danger, we are fearful and anxious. They are inevitable, but they can be mitigated.

The good thing about fear and anxiety is that they make us more cautious. They heighten our senses. And they let us know that we are not dead yet.

But they can also incapacitate us, force us to make reckless decisions, that could lead to injury or death.

There is no shame in fear or anxiety, but we do have to control ourselves in the midst of them. Ways of doing that:

• Anticipate our fears and what makes us anxious.
• Make a list of things that cause both.
• Find and use solutions to those things.

Once we know exactly how to handle our fears and anxiety, we will be less afraid of them.

Anger and frustration

In a survival situation, we lack resources and expertise, and a lot of things can go wrong. When everything that we do is very important, because we are trying to survive, it can be very frustrating when things don't go our way.

If enough things go wrong, our frustration can turn into anger, anger can turn into mistakes, and mistakes can turn into injury or death. So it is important to make sure frustration does not turn into anger.

Some frustrating things:

• We get lost when evacuating.
• We damage or forget something we need.
• The weather turns against us.
• The terrain is terrible and we are physically limited.

To decrease the probability of things going wrong:

• Carry a map, and always have a plan of where you want to go specifically.
• “Two is one and One is none." Always carry double, the things that are small and really important, like knives, lighters/matches.
• Weather comes in cycles, so have multiple layers of clothing, with different weather proofing materials, for rain, snow, hot and cold.
• If you can avoid rough terrain, do it, even if it takes more time to get to your destination. Tripping on rocks and breaking your leg, or getting trench foot because you're walking through too much water, can injure you which will make survival even harder.

Depression

Depression sets in when we spend too much energy on being frustrated and angry. Then we have very little energy to solve problems for our survival.

Our mental state changes from “What can I do?” to “There is nothing I can do.” We reminisce about how times were better and easier in the past. We feel sad. We feel hopeless. We stop trying. Then we lose our will to live.

Frustration, anger and depression is hard to avoid when things go bad really quickly. But be strong, have a plan, eliminate your fears one by one…so it decreases your total fear, so you can think a bit more clearly, so you can continue to survive.

Loneliness and boredom

We are social animals. We love being around people most of the time. Not only do we feel safety in numbers, but when people collaborate, we use our different strengths to accomplish bigger things.

But if we are alone, we may lack self-confidence. We may feel that we don't have the mental strength to survive through hard times. And since we have a lot of time on our hands, we are bored, then we start entertaining our worst fears.

But then, in the interest of self preservation, we discover hidden talents and abilities we didn't think we had. We become more resourceful. We discover an inner strength and fortitude. We become more innovative. And then we think, “Holy shit! I can do this, I can survive this!”

Guilt

When we survive something tragic, but others do not, sometimes we think, “Why did I survive?” or “Why am I the lucky one?” This survivor's guilt is severe when we lose people we love. We become hobbled by grief. There is a strong tendency for people to not want to survive themselves, to think that they don't deserve it, when so many people that they cared about have perished.

But be strong for them. Survive for them. Fight for them. Accomplish the things that you all wanted together. Live stronger and love stronger. You were spared death for a reason. Now you have a grander purpose. You shall rise and overcome, and their death shall not be in vain.

In Conclusion.

Fear/anxiety, anger/frustration, depression, loneliness/boredom, and guilt; are all normal reactions to stressors. Recognizing these will help you overcome adversity, and survive.

When we lose so much, so fast, and we don't know what to do from one minute to the next, any words of encouragement, seems trite and hollow.

But survival is about "mind-power," it's about recognizing how you feel, and how to deal with it, so you can survive. Everybody feels this way. You are not alone. There are ways to improve your situation.

And believe it or not, nothing lasts forever, so this war will eventually end. And things will get better.

Stay frosty people.

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