The Combat Mindset And A High-Stress Encounter
During a high-stress encounter such as a robbery at gunpoint, it is challenging to maintain an effective combat mindset. The natural human reaction to a lethal threat is to release adrenaline which results in the physical reactions:
-increased heart-rate
-rapid shallow breathing
-decrease in blood flow to the extremities
-muscle tension
-decreased peripheral vision
These effects can decrease your ability to fight or flee but they are less of a threat than the natural emotional response to a high-stress situation. Emotional reactions to a high-stress encounter may include:
-panic
-unresponsiveness from sensory overload
-hyper-vigilance
-diminished cognitive abilities
-despair
If you find yourself in a high-stress encounter, you will almost certainly have a rush of adrenaline. Being in good physical condition is advantageous as the physical effects of adrenaline and stress will impair less those who are fit. Those who are in poor physical condition will find it more difficult to manage the effects of stress.
Training regularly also provides an advantage as responding to a high-stress encounter will be more familiar to those who have experienced simulations of a high-stress encounter. During a high-stress encounter, the human mind perceives more and all of this data must be process by the brain in a very short interval of time. The more that is familiar, the less new information there is to process.
Military, police and security units train personnel on how to maintain an effective combat mindset during a high-stress encounter. Here are some tips:
-Use the rush of adrenaline to overcome the temptation to ’shut down’ from fear. Adrenaline is the body’s way of creating ‘instant energy’. You may need this instant energy should you need to fight or flee but like any other energy it is useless unless it is properly managed and channeled.
-Focus on your breathing. Deep, slow breaths will help stabilize your cardio-vascular system, improve your capacity to process and recall what you perceive. Regulated breathing will increase blood flow to extremities and decrease muscle tension.
-Constantly process and re-asses. Processing information is useful even during compliance as you will be a better witness. Compliance may be appropriate at first but remain prepared to flee or fight should the tactical situation demand you do so to survive.
-Make a decision whether it is better to fight, flee or comply. When the time is right, take action…do not hesitate. He who hesitates is lost.
You will be in a better position to make this life and death decision if learn to control the effects of a high-stress encounter.
Here we have a woman who chose to comply during a robbery. She survived. She probably made the right decision. Immediately after, the emotional effects of a high-stress encounter are evident.
Prepare to deal with a high-stress encounter.
