Low complexity implementation

cannot duplicate reality stress. Having said that I do believe one can develop a better understanding of what is happening inside the mind and body during extreme stress. Understanding what is happening is the first step in gaining a degree of control, or at least taking the edge off of the powerful internal response. As with all things developing a degree of emotional preparedness is an individual journey. Genetics, past experience and perception all play a part in one’s emotional response.

The powerful emotions that manifest itself during combat are based on the minds biochemical response. The mind is a powerful tool and once chaos and stress presents itself certain chemical reactions take place inside the mind affecting the body.

Below I offer a six- step plan to emotional preparedness that some may find useful.

Steps to Emotional Preparedness.

1. Knowledge 2. Experiencing 3. Understanding

4. Mental Skills Conditioning

5. Physical Training and Conditioning Knowledge

Knowledge in anything is the first step in developing power if one is not clear on what is happening then one cannot even begin to develop a plan to correct, direct or control. First we will examine some of the more dominant chemical responses to high levels of stress.

Endorphins are chemicals produced by the brain in response to varying stimuli and are said by some to be natures’ cure for high stress levels.

They are among the brains chemical which function in the transmission of signal within the nervous system. Many type of endorphins exist and stress and pain are leading factors that stimulate the release of this chemical. Endorphins interact with the opiate receptors in the brain to reduce our perception of pain, having a similar action to drugs such as morphine and codeine. Endorphins are very power, as much as 100 times more powerful that the drug morphine and is a natural high. This stimulant contributes or is the leading cause of one feeling no or little pain during extreme physical exertion and is directly related to one’s pain threshold.

Adrenaline- Several hormones important to ones stress originates in the adrenal glands. These glands are located adjacent to the kidneys. The cortex or outer portion of the adrenal gland secretes steroidal hormones including cortisol, In the presence of stressors; the body almost immediately attempts to increase cortisol levels. Cortisol is an essential fight-or-flight hormone, secreted under stress, to prepare the body for action. The stimulant normally secretes chemical and then returns to normal, some researcher believe that pro-long stimulation to cortisol leads to PTSD Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome and can lead to a wide range of health problems. The medulla or inner portion of the adrenal gland, secreted epinephrine and norepinephrine or other hormones important to the fight or flight response.

Secretion of these hormones on various bodily systems include increased metabolism, increased blood pressure, increased mental activity, increased blood flow to the muscles, and increased heart rate.

These reactions prepare the individual to deal with perceived threats or stress by enhancing capabilities to fight or to flee.

Fight or flight reaction- the reaction that occurs in the body when faced by a sudden, unexpected threat or source of stress. The name of this reaction comes from the fact that an animal experiencing this reaction almost immediately decides to fight or to run. In this reaction there is a sudden release of the hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine, which increase blood flow to the muscles, increase arterial blood pressure, improve muscle strength and mental ability, as well as increase blood glucose concentration. Through these actions the body prepares for a confrontation or a fast escape. Also Known As: alarm reaction, sympathetic alarm reaction, stress reaction, sympathetic stress reaction.

3.4.1 Experiencing

Once one has a basic knowledge to the brain chemicals and their affects on oneself is in a better position to understand what is happening internally when stress presents itself. I believe the next step in emotional preparedness is for one to experience a degree of this chemical stimulation. This can be achieved by a variety of scenario based training methods. Ideally one wants to present one’s mind and body with things that stimulates secretion of these chemicals that he might develop an insight of one’s personal chemical response. This type of experience is the beginning steps in what I like to call “battle proofing.”

3.4.2 Understanding

After one has experienced the range of chemical response then one can begin to develop a plan to correct, control or direct himself during extreme stress. One should contemplate the power of the stress response and develop a degree of understanding about what is happening and understand that this response is normal and will be a part of reality preparedness. One should can relax themselves and relive and or observe themselves during this time of high stress and identify what is happening. In short one should begin applying knowledge. This can be done by inward study and replaying times of high stress in the mind utilizing as many sense(s) as possible (hear it, see if, feel it, smell it and taste it). Getting to know oneself and one internal response is essential in developing a balance. This is a crucial step in desensitize that effects of stress.

3.4.3 Mental Skills Conditioning

Once one has a clear understanding of his individual stress response then a plan of action can be implemented. Mental skills conditioning does for the mind what physical exercise does for the body. One should become skilled in proper breathing, relaxation, and mental imagery techniques to begin preparing the mind for the next time high stress presents itself. Once one is skilled it these areas, one should begin applying it in training, preparing oneself for real life.

3.4.4 Physical Conditioning

The more time one trains the body the more self-confidence in ability is achieved. Self belief is an essential part of success in any walk of life, including reality preparedness. Continuing to advance one physically will only add to ones ability to survive danger.

4.0 CONCLUSION

The unit is more of practical demonstration of the principles. This is important because it assists us to understand the principles at work and how we can apply them.

5.0SUMMARY

This unit treated mental and emotional preparedness, school crises response team, roles and responsibilities of school-based and district level intervention teams, and Tim Birmingham and steps to emotional preparedness.

6.0 TUTOR-MARKED ASSIGNMENTS 1. When is a reaction said to be normal?

2. Design a model for school-based crisis preparedness and response.

7.0 REFERENCES/FURTHER READINGS

Darren Laur has written excellent studies on Combative Based Action Imagery/Anatomy of Fear that will further help one searching for a degree of understanding and preparedness.

UNIT 3 BUILDING TRUST