THE PSYCHOLOGY OF SURVIVAL-THE STRESS FACTOR L

Now days, any event leads to stress; and, as every one has experienced, events don't always come one at a time. Often, the stressful events occur simultaneously. These events are not stress, but they can produce it and are now called "stressors". Stressors are the obvious cause, while stress is the response. Once the body or individual as the case may be recognizes the presence of a stressor, it , or they begins to act to protect it or them selves.In response to a stressor, the body prepares for "fight or flight. This preparation involves an internal SOS sent throughout the body. As the body responds to this SOS, several actions take place. The body releases stored fuels (sugar and fats) to provide quick energy; breathing rate increases to supply more oxygen to the blood; muscle tension increases to prepare for action; blood clotting mechanisms are activated to reduce bleeding from cuts; senses become more acute (hearing becomes more sensitive, eyes become big, smell becomes sharper)so that you are more aware of your surrounding and heart rate and blood pressure rise to provide more blood to the muscles. This protective posture lets a person cope with potential dangers; however the person cannot maintain such a level of alertness indefinitely. Stressors are not courteous; one stressor does not leave because another one arrives. Stressors add up. The cumulative effect of minor stressors can be a major distress if they all happen too close together. As the body's resistance to stress wears down and the sources of stress continue (or is perceived to increase), eventually a state of exhaustion arrives. At this point, ability to resist stress or use it in a positive way gives out and signs of distress appear.  (the person has a breakdown). Anticipating stressors and developing stratigies to cope with them are two ingredients in the effective management of stress. It is therefore essential that anyone in a disaster/survival setting be aware of the types of stressors he or she will encounter. Let's take a look at a few of these.

• Injury,Illness or Death.
• Uncertainty and Lack of Power or Control
• Environment
• Hunger and Thirst
• Fatigue
• Isolation