The psychology of survival

[Metal mug]

One thing that is hasn't been mentioned on the site is the power of positive thinking. You could be perfectly set up for a survival situation but end up dead if you have a pessimistic attitude. Where as a positive person could be given next to nothing but still survive for as long as it takes to get rescued. It's an interesting subject and it makes you wonder how many people have died needlessly because of negative thoughts. As Oddball out of Kelly's Heroes might say, "Knock it off with the negative waves."

[RobbC]

I totally agree, the power of positive thinking is immense. The most important thing in survival is to not let things get you down. plus if you have a positive attitude you are more likely to think clearly and make use of your suroundings.

Robb

[basicbushcraft]

i agree lads a positive mental attitude is the key in any survival situation to pull you through problems what will affect your chances such as anxiety,stress,depression etc

[bigzee]

I thinks it's important in those situations to keep busy and be actively doing something useful, rather than sitting round thinking and dwelling on "what if...?" That's so much easier when you have useful information in your brain to work with, and why bushcraft sites, courses, TV programmes etc. are of such great value. Not only are they interesting, useful in everyday situations, and can be money-saving, but they could be life-saving.

[jus_young]

i agree lads a positive mental attitude is the key in any survival situation to pull you through problems what will affect your chances such as anxiety,stress,depression etc

This sounds like me and my job! Got to be time for a lifestyle change

[comanighttrain]

Reasons not to be depressed in a survival situation

1) day off work
2) no wife

[Metal mug]

Reasons not to be depressed in a survival situation

1) day off work
2) no wife

So very true!

[Marvell]

Are you sitting comfortably? Here's a story I use on courses ...

An American Airforce pilot put his plane down in Greenland, in the snow. The next day, the rescue crew found the plane. There was a set of footprints that went out a half mile from the plane then round in a circle and back. The pilot was sat in the cockpit, cigar stubbed out on the dash, his service revolver in his hand and bullet hole in his head. He was survival trained, he was wearing his down flying suit and the plane was equipped with a life raft and a survival kit. This poor chap clearly lacked the will.

[comanighttrain]

Are you sitting comfortably? Here's a story I use on courses ...

An American Airforce pilot put his plane down in Greenland, in the snow. The next day, the rescue crew found the plane. There was a set of footprints that went out a half mile from the plane then round in a circle and back. The pilot was sat in the cockpit, cigar stubbed out on the dash, his service revolver in his hand and bullet hole in his head. He was survival trained, he was wearing his down flying suit and the plane was equipped with a life raft and a survival kit. This poor chap clearly lacked the will.

man thats odd...

[Marvell]

You might think he might get that way after a couple of weeks of nobody coming with him running out of food, but ONE DAY?! Come on!