In a split second, we are forced to make an impossible choice: run or stay and help. The violent attack on train passengers in Cambridgeshire last weekend left many wondering what they would do in a similar situation. Would they be a hero, risking their life to save others, or would they flee, sacrificing the lives of those around them? The answer is not as simple as it seems.
We are often told that our bodies have an innate "fight or flight" response to danger, but this simplistic notion neglects the complexities of human nature. In reality, we are social creatures with a built-in drive to tend and befriend others, which kicks in when we're faced with emergencies. This urge to protect those who have been harmed is one of our most fundamental instincts.
However, it's equally true that running away from danger can be the rational thing to do, especially if you're facing a threat with a weapon. Removing yourself from harm allows you to survive and then turn your attention to helping others, which is often what we imagine ourselves doing in such situations. But who are we to think we'll be able to stay and help? Our imagination plays a significant role in shaping our behavior in crisis.
Those with experience of emergencies, like emergency services personnel, have learned to manage their fear response and can function well under pressure. They've also developed new schemas – mental models that guide their behavior in fast-moving situations. For others, having survived previous crises can be powerful learning, teaching us we can overcome terrible things and emerge stronger.
But how do we know who we are when the worst happens? Is it our sense of self-worth or our values that drives us to help or flee? These questions are far from simple, and the answer will vary from person to person. What's clear is that disasters often move quickly, leaving survivors grappling with traumatic memories that can take time to process.
It's also important to acknowledge that not everyone who survives a terrible event will emerge unscathed. Trauma can be all-consuming, and it's okay to struggle in the aftermath. But with time and support, many people find they're able to rebuild their lives and even experience post-traumatic growth – a sense of strength and resilience that comes from having faced adversity.
Ultimately, what we do when we face danger is complex and deeply personal. There's no one-size-fits-all answer, but by recognizing the intricacies of our human nature, we can begin to make sense of this impossible choice and forge our own path forward.
We are often told that our bodies have an innate "fight or flight" response to danger, but this simplistic notion neglects the complexities of human nature. In reality, we are social creatures with a built-in drive to tend and befriend others, which kicks in when we're faced with emergencies. This urge to protect those who have been harmed is one of our most fundamental instincts.
However, it's equally true that running away from danger can be the rational thing to do, especially if you're facing a threat with a weapon. Removing yourself from harm allows you to survive and then turn your attention to helping others, which is often what we imagine ourselves doing in such situations. But who are we to think we'll be able to stay and help? Our imagination plays a significant role in shaping our behavior in crisis.
Those with experience of emergencies, like emergency services personnel, have learned to manage their fear response and can function well under pressure. They've also developed new schemas – mental models that guide their behavior in fast-moving situations. For others, having survived previous crises can be powerful learning, teaching us we can overcome terrible things and emerge stronger.
But how do we know who we are when the worst happens? Is it our sense of self-worth or our values that drives us to help or flee? These questions are far from simple, and the answer will vary from person to person. What's clear is that disasters often move quickly, leaving survivors grappling with traumatic memories that can take time to process.
It's also important to acknowledge that not everyone who survives a terrible event will emerge unscathed. Trauma can be all-consuming, and it's okay to struggle in the aftermath. But with time and support, many people find they're able to rebuild their lives and even experience post-traumatic growth – a sense of strength and resilience that comes from having faced adversity.
Ultimately, what we do when we face danger is complex and deeply personal. There's no one-size-fits-all answer, but by recognizing the intricacies of our human nature, we can begin to make sense of this impossible choice and forge our own path forward.
I think it's so interesting how quickly we're forced to decide whether to risk our lives or run away when something terrible happens. The idea that we have a built-in "fight or flight" response is just not that simple, you know? 
Our brains are wired to want to help others and protect them, but at the same time, we have to think about our own safety too. It's like, what if I get hurt trying to save someone else? 
We're so conditioned to put ourselves in harm's way for others that it's almost like we forget about our own survival. And don't even get me started on how traumatic those moments can be... I feel bad for people who have to go through that stuff and come out the other side with PTSD or whatever 
And what's even crazier is how we always assume others would be the heroes and risk their lives while we "just" run away. It's like, have you seen those "I'm not crying, I just have something in my eye" memes? Yeah, let's all just pretend to be brave when it really counts 
. It's wild to me how our instincts can kick in and take over, but at the same time, it's crazy how much we can influence our own behavior with just a little bit of self-awareness and planning ahead 
. But it's not just about being in the moment, it's also about knowing how we'll handle ourselves before things get really crazy 
. I think that's where having a support system and some solid coping mechanisms come into play - because let's face it, not everyone is going to be able to bounce back from trauma 
.
when it happened - I know how scary it is! My friend who was sitting next to me during the attack is still shaken 
. I mean, what if I saw someone getting hurt in front of me? I'd want to act, but at the same time, I wouldn't want to put myself in harm's way either... 
. I think people who have been through traumatic experiences are total rockstars 
- like my cousin who was in a car accident last year and is still going to therapy 
. Don't get me wrong, altruism is all well and good, but come on, what if the person next to you is like, "oh great, now my turn" 
? Priorities, people!
. And don't even get me started on what happens after the initial shock wears off – PTSD, anxiety, depression... it's all super real 
. It's all about weighing your options and thinking on your feet, ya know? Like, what if you have a family to think about? But then again, if you don't take action, who's gonna do it for you? 
. We're all different, and that's what makes us human, right? So yeah, I think the key is just to know thyself (or at least, know thy limits) and then take it from there 
.
... it got me thinking about what I would do if I was in that situation 
. I mean, my instincts are telling me to run away, you know? Like, why take the risk of getting hurt or worse when someone else can help? 
But at the same time, isn't it what we're supposed to do as humans - try to save others? 
... it's like their brain is saying "fight or flight" without them even realizing it 
. And then there are the ones who just go into crisis mode, you know? Like, I had a friend whose cousin was in an accident once and he just went into this super calm state of mind to help his cousin 
. There's no one way to react, and sometimes you just have to trust your gut or whatever instincts you've got 
... but at least we can all try to understand each other better, right? 
. And yeah, trauma is a big deal, but I've seen some of the stories about survivors comin' back strong and it's really inspirin' 
. I guess what I'm sayin' is, there ain't no right or wrong answer here, just different ways of copin' with it