Caught up in a violent attack, would you be a hero – or would you run? Both can be valuable | Emma Kavanagh

When faced with violence or chaos, we are often torn between two instincts: to rush to the aid of others and to flee from harm. Which path would you choose? Would you be a hero who puts yourself in harm's way to help those in need, or would you prioritize your own safety and run for cover?

As humans, we have an innate desire to connect with each other and offer support during times of crisis. This "tend and befriend" response is just as powerful as the more commonly discussed "fight or flight" response. When we're in a life-threatening situation, our bodies naturally try to protect us while also seeking to provide comfort and solace to those around us.

However, it's essential to remember that fear is a natural and adaptive response. If someone finds themselves in a violent situation, the most rational decision may be to remove themselves from harm's way and seek safety elsewhere. From there, new opportunities arise to help others who are struggling.

What drives someone to become a hero or helper in such situations? Often, it comes down to our self-image and experiences. If we've always seen ourselves as people who make a positive difference in the world, we're more likely to act on that impulse during a crisis. Additionally, individuals with prior experience of emergency situations may be better equipped to manage their fear response and respond in a more helpful way.

It's also crucial to acknowledge that responding to trauma is not always easy. In the aftermath of a devastating event, many people will struggle to cope, experiencing flashbacks, anxiety, and emotional distress. However, with time, support, and healing, it's possible for survivors to find a new sense of purpose and growth.

The attack on train passengers in Cambridgeshire serves as a stark reminder of the importance of human connection during times of crisis. While we may not all be heroes who rush into danger, our individual responses can have a significant impact on those around us. By understanding our own strengths, weaknesses, and experiences, we can work towards becoming better helpers – not necessarily in terms of putting ourselves at risk, but by providing support and care to those who need it most.
 
I'm like 62% of people who'd choose to help others over their own safety lol! 🤣 But think about it... did you know that the average person's heart rate increases by 100 beats per minute during a crisis, whereas those who are helping others have a more stable heart rate? 💖 It's all about perspective and self-image. Have you seen those studies on the "tend and befriend" response vs "fight or flight"? Like, did you know that our brains release oxytocin when we're empathizing with others? 🧬 That stuff is like magic for stress reduction!
 
🤝 I gotta say, when I think about situations like the train attack in Cambridgeshire, my first instinct is to want to rush in & help, ya know? But then I'm like, 'wait, what's my safety plan?' You can't just be a hero all the time, especially if it puts you at risk of getting hurt. I think it's super important for us to be aware of our own limits & take care of ourselves first, while also being open to supporting others when we can. It's not always easy, but with self-care & community support, I think we can all become better helpers in our own way 🌎💕
 
idk bout heroes tho 🤷‍♀️ I mean wut if ur literally traumatized or somethin? cant just rush into danger 2 help ppl wen u r still tryna recover from ur own trauma rn 🤯. but at the same time, i think its really cool when ppl come togeder & look out 4 each other in times of need 💕. like, maybe we dont all have to be heroes but just b good humans & lend a hand wen we c someone needs it 🙏.
 
💖 I gotta say, when faced with chaos, my instinct is to help others 🤝🏽, even if it means putting myself in harm's way 🚨💪! But at the same time, I'm not gonna lie, fear is real and sometimes you gotta prioritize your own safety 💯👮‍♀️. I think it's all about understanding our own strengths & weaknesses, like what drives us to become a hero or helper in the first place 💡? For me, it's about being able to connect with others on a deeper level 🤝 and seeing myself as someone who makes a difference 👏.

It's also super important to acknowledge that responding to trauma is NOT easy 😔🌧️. But with time & support, people can heal & find new purpose 🌱💫. The attack in Cambridgeshire was crazy, but it's great to see how the community came together to support each other 💕👫! We don't all have to be heroes who rush into danger, just by being there for those around us we can make a BIG difference 🤩💖 #TendAndBefriend #BeAHelperNotASavior #MentalHealthMatters
 
I think its super brave of people to rush into danger like that... I mean, I know my mom would do something crazy like that if she saw someone being hurt 😊. But for me personally? I don't think I could ever be a hero like that. I'd probably just want to help from afar or give people a place to stay when they need it most. I've seen some things in my life where I had to run away from danger and I'm still shaking at the thought of it 😱. What drives someone to become a hero? For me, its all about knowing my limits and supporting others when I can, not putting myself in harm's way.
 
🤔 thinking about this one... for me its all about being in the right mindset you know? when you got that spark in your heart to help others 💖 and you believe in yourself that's what gets you through tough times 🌟 dont get me wrong running away from danger is a good thing too 🏃‍♀️ but sometimes thats not an option and its about finding those heroes who are willing to step up and make a difference 💪

i think its also about the people around you they can be super inspiring 🤝 like my grandma she lost her husband in a train accident years ago and yet shes still going strong ❤️ shes always been there for me when im down and thats what heroes do i guess its just about finding your why and doing whats right 💫
 
I'm thinking about this thing my grandma told me when I was a kid... she said that our greatest strength comes from knowing when to show up for others, not just when to bail 🤝. She'd say, "When you help someone in need, you're not only changing their life, but also yours." And it's true, we can't always be there for everyone at all times, but being aware of our own capabilities and limitations is key. So even if we choose to prioritize our safety, we can still make a difference in smaller ways, like lending a listening ear or offering a helping hand 🤗. It's not about being a hero, it's about being human.
 
I'm gonna say something that might sound super harsh... 🤔 But honestly, being a hero isn't all it's cracked up to be. Sometimes, prioritizing your own safety is the best thing you can do for others too. Think about it, if you're in a situation where you're literally running out of time and energy, trying to help everyone at once is just gonna put yourself in more danger. It's like trying to put out a fire with gasoline – it's just not gonna work 🚒

I'm not saying people shouldn't try to help others when they can. But for real, sometimes it's better to take care of yourself first and then figure out how you can make a positive impact later on. It's like, your mental health is way more important than anyone else's crisis at that point 😴
 
I'm like totally torn about this one... I mean, I know it's super admirable when people rush into danger to save others, but what if they end up getting hurt? 🤕 My friend's cousin's boyfriend was in a situation like that and he had PTSD for ages... so yeah, I think it's cool to wanna help, but we gotta be careful too 💡. And honestly, I've always been kinda the shy type, so I don't know if I'd ever be a hero or not 😳. But what really gets me is how important it is to support each other after something traumatic happens... my aunt went through a rough breakup and had major anxiety for months, but with therapy and stuff she's doing way better now 💕. So yeah, being a good helper isn't just about putting yourself in harm's way, it's about being there for the people around you when they need it most 🤗.
 
I'm kinda torn about this one 🤔. If I was in a situation where someone needed help and I could get out safely, I'd probably want to run away first 😬. Like, what if I got hurt trying to save someone? But at the same time, it feels really bad when people are being attacked or whatever and no one is helping 🤕. Maybe we should just try to be a little bit of both - like, I could try to help from a distance first or something 🤷‍♂️? And what drives someone to be a hero anyway? Like, if you've always been the type to help others and all that... maybe it's just easier for some people?
 
🤔 I'm so torn when it comes to responding to chaos or violence - part of me wants to rush in and help, while the other part just wants to protect myself 🚫💨. I think what drives someone to be a hero is their inner self-image - if they see themselves as someone who can make a difference, they're more likely to act on it 💪🌟.

But here's the thing: responding to trauma isn't always easy, and that's okay 🤗💕. We all need support and time to heal after experiencing something traumatic. And sometimes, just being there for someone who needs someone to talk to or listen to can be a huge help 💬👂.

It's also interesting how our experiences shape us - those of us who've been in emergency situations before might feel more equipped to handle fear, but that doesn't mean we're not capable of growth and change 🔄💪. What I think is most important is acknowledging that everyone responds differently during a crisis, and that's what makes it so valuable to support each other 💕🌈.

I love how the article emphasizes the importance of human connection - even when things feel chaotic, we can still find ways to care for each other ❤️💗.
 
🤔 I think its pretty common for ppl to want 2 help others when they see them getting hurt, especially if its kids or seniors 🙏. But sometimes ur just trying 2 survive & protect yerself first 🚨. Its like, ppl r always saying be brave & do what's right but its not that easy, ur scared too 😬. And i think we shouldnt judge ppl for choosing 2 stay safe, thats actually a pretty strong response too 👍. But at the same time, if u feel comfortable doing so, helpin out can make a big difference 💕.
 
😊 you know what's crazy? people always wanna be heroes, but no one talks about the value of self-preservation 💡 like that attack on train passengers in Cambridgeshire was super scary & traumatic for everyone involved... but y'know what happened next? people started supporting each other 🤝 they looked out for one another, checked in on those who were hurt & needed help... that's what being a hero is really all about 💖 it's not just about rushing into danger, but about showing up for others when it matters most ❤️
 
🤔 I think its super hard to choose between helping others & saving yourself when its chaos all around u. Like what if u help someone & they end up hurtting u back? 🤕 But at the same time, not doing anything can feel like a huge weight on ur shoulders, knowing someone needs help.

Personally, I think I would wanna try 2 help, but also keep some distance. Its hard 2 predict how things will go down, & u dont want 2 put yerself in harm's way unnecessarily 😬. And its not just about saving people from immediate danger - sometimes helping can be as simple as offering a listening ear or a supportive word 🗣️.

I think what drives ppl 2 become heroes is when they see the impact it has on others, & it becomes 2 natural 4 them 2 wanna help. Its not always easy, tho - trauma can have lasting effects, & survivors need time 2 heal 🌱. But by supporting each other, we can build stronger, more compassionate communities 💕.
 
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