I’ve spent over three decades as a prepper and nearly as long as a therapist, most recently working with first responders. Most of us believe we will not be mentally impacted by emergencies, stress, and survival situations, but stress has a way of surprising you. It’s not a matter of being “tough enough” to not let it affect you. I’ve worked with combat experienced infantry, seasoned first responders, paratroopers, and more in my therapy office. If it were simply a matter of “being strong,” I would not be needed.
I’ve seen firsthand how emergencies don’t just test our gear — they test our bodies and minds. Whether you’re a firefighter racing to a burning building, an EMT arriving at a fatal car accident, or a homesteader facing a natural disaster, stress — and your body’s response to it — is part of the equation.
Prepping isn’t just about stockpiling supplies. It’s about preparing ourselves mentally and emotionally for the storms we know will come. And it is about knowing how to help yourself recover when you have been impacted by stressful events or emergencies.
