Mental Survival in your B.O.B

lmalterna said:
...A mental focus point I was once taught was to repeat in my mind "I WILL go home after this". Just a simple fact to hang on to.
2Door
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A positive attitude, according to studies, is the single most important factor in successful survival.

"Comfort items" are often recommended for soothing stressed children. A lot of police departments and first responders have been carrying small stuffed animals to give traumatized children. I don't see why an item in a BOB wouldn't be a good idea for an adult.
 
My childrens "overnight kit" has two pictures of family taped together and a chemlight for light at night- those two items provide emotional comfort for them as well as a small note written by me. I talk about how much I love them and that "I am looking for you. I WILL FIND YOU!"
It is not much but each of them said those things would mean alot to them. We are seperated by divorce now and just knowing how much I love them and how valuable my time with them is to me gives them comfort.

The mind surrenders long before the body.
2Door
 
For years, I've been carrying a mini version of the S.A.S. survival manual. I think it would help me maintain a positive attitude ,and provide valuable tips when I really need them. For some reason, any other non-survival reading material doesn't interest me in the bush , but I may miss it in a long-term scenario. Not sure.
 
Quirt said:
Since I cannot write an entire book here of what goes on I had to abbreviate...I concur with your insight. Yes it is true one would go nuts without some stimulation and one cannot maintain constant vigilance for-ever. Especially by oneself. In order to survive in a hostile environment one is going to need to be with others and do this as a team!

For the first few days/weeks of the disaster (which is what a BOB is designed for) there are so many other life essential tasks that need to be done during an emergency like in this situation. And a BOB is only the initial escape and evade bag to take you to a permanent secure and secluded shelter which is where one should keep an ample supply of reading materials etc.

But when "Bugging out" which is what a BOB is for...if one is not sleeping, eating, forging, cleaning clothes, repairing gear, recon, etc then one is posting security so the others in the group or party can sleep/repair/eat. In events like this there really isn't much down time or time to read. Besides the weight of a book or gadget is better used for other more critical gear in the short term. Ounces = pounds and pounds = pain. You need to be light, nimble and fast one your feet.

If one is alone then you'd better squirrel up in a burrow somewhere and be perfectly quiet. One will not have the luxuary of giving off any sound or light. Hence reading is going to be a challenge. And having ear buds stuck in one's ear blocking one's hearing is not wise under the circumstances.

Most of us can take a backpack and go live off the land for a few days or weeks and think we can do the same thing in a hostile environment. Well...it isn't the same thing. It isn't a backpacking trip during an emergency.

At one's permanent shelter or location then that is a different story. Then one might have a few minutes for other stimuli. But there is plenty of more mission critical tasks that need to be done so reading/enjoyment will be precious if at all. But like I said, what do I know.
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Quirt, I'm actually right there with you on your perspective on bug outs. I've thought through the bug out scenario ad nauseum. It's just a bad situation any way you look at it and the first days will likely be the worst as you try to gain distance. I agree going light is key, as is a low profile, but there are consequences. That's why my current philosophy is to not have to bug out to a distant safe location at all but to already be there and I'm working hard to make that happen. I just didn't want to under appreciate the value of little links to sanity like a book or a chocolate bar or a cup of coffee. (Beware, the smell of coffee can travel a long way.)
 
lmalterna said:
My childrens "overnight kit" has two pictures of family taped together and a chemlight for light at night- those two items provide emotional comfort for them as well as a small note written by me. I talk about how much I love them and that "I am looking for you. I WILL FIND YOU!"It is not much but each of them said those things would mean alot to them. We are seperated by divorce now and just knowing how much I love them and how valuable my time with them is to me gives them comfort.

The mind surrenders long before the body.
2Door
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that made me choke up
damn right
 
Quirt said:
Since I cannot write an entire book here of what goes on I had to abbreviate...I concur with your insight. Yes it is true one would go nuts without some stimulation and one cannot maintain constant vigilance for-ever. Especially by oneself. In order to survive in a hostile environment one is going to need to be with others and do this as a team!

For the first few days/weeks of the disaster (which is what a BOB is designed for) there are so many other life essential tasks that need to be done during an emergency like in this situation. And a BOB is only the initial escape and evade bag to take you to a permanent secure and secluded shelter which is where one should keep an ample supply of reading materials etc.

But when "Bugging out" which is what a BOB is for...if one is not sleeping, eating, forging, cleaning clothes, repairing gear, recon, etc then one is posting security so the others in the group or party can sleep/repair/eat. In events like this there really isn't much down time or time to read. Besides the weight of a book or gadget is better used for other more critical gear in the short term. Ounces = pounds and pounds = pain. You need to be light, nimble and fast one your feet.

If one is alone then you'd better squirrel up in a burrow somewhere and be perfectly quiet. One will not have the luxuary of giving off any sound or light. Hence reading is going to be a challenge. And having ear buds stuck in one's ear blocking one's hearing is not wise under the circumstances.

Most of us can take a backpack and go live off the land for a few days or weeks and think we can do the same thing in a hostile environment. Well...it isn't the same thing. It isn't a backpacking trip during an emergency.

At one's permanent shelter or location then that is a different story. Then one might have a few minutes for other stimuli. But there is plenty of more mission critical tasks that need to be done so reading/enjoyment will be precious if at all. But like I said, what do I know.
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You are absolutely right that bugging out during an emergency (whether man-made or natural) is not the same as hiking or backpacking. I do like the way you think. In a group, others will be able to draw strength and some sense of security from your knowledge and actions. Keeping yourself and those bugging out with you occupied and on task not only makes sure that what needs to be done gets done, but also helps to create a modicum sense of basic normalcy and purpose. By making sure that physical needs are met in an organized way, you are also providing some basic mental care for yourself and those traveling with you. But don't confuse mental needs and emotional ones, and don't forget you also need mental and emotional self-care. Your mental and emotional health will go out the window much faster than your body's.

Just like YOU MUST make sure that you have food, water, rest, and camp security, YOU ALSO MUST provide for your own mental and emotional needs. If a Bible will do it for you, then a Bible is not a luxury item but part of your survival equipment and strategy. 2 or 3 20-minute breaks during the day for Bible reading and prayer will do wonders for a believer's mental and emotional health in the midst of a crisis. For individuals from other belief traditions, or for the non-religious, other items may help. What you are looking for is not necessarily entertainment (although for a minority of individuals, that is exactly what they need), but something that helps you strengthen at a psychological and emotional level a sense of order, hope, and life purpose. This is a far cry from actual emergency/disaster-relief chaplaincy/psychological help, but will be enough to help stay mentally and emotionally stable while you get out of harm's way.
 
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I keep a tiny little copy of Zen Flesh, Zen Bones in my bag. I'm not a Buddhist but I do find that the various stories and koans can often help me to put things in their proper place, especially during stressful times.

I also keep a harmonica and deck of cards in the same pocket. People have all sorts of valid arguments about not keeping items unnecessary for survival in a BOB but, for me, I think the morale booster/boredom fighter/entertainment are worth the extra ounces.
 
lmalterna said:
My childrens "overnight kit" has two pictures of family taped together and a chemlight for light at night- those two items provide emotional comfort for them as well as a small note written by me. I talk about how much I love them and that "I am looking for you. I WILL FIND YOU!"
It is not much but each of them said those things would mean alot to them. We are seperated by divorce now and just knowing how much I love them and how valuable my time with them is to me gives them comfort.

The mind surrenders long before the body.
2Door
Click to expand...

I really like what you do for your kids "overnight kit." That is a wonderful idea. I have some basic items in their "necklace ID holder" kit (flashlight, whistle, candy, triple antibiotic foil, band aids, and $20). I'll add the photo and the note.
 
The Photos are a great idea.
What I have now is a book of knots, a wilderness first aid primer and a book of stories appropriate for adults and children.
 
Having just been through a civil emergency, I have to say that boredom was a big issue.

I'm adding a deck of cards to my bugout bag.

B
 
I like to read, so the Bible would be a great choice. Soldiers and travelers have been carrying that for hundreds of years. If I had room for another, it would be the complete works of William Shakespeare.
 
Joe & Preacher Man-
Like most things in life it was taught to me. When you feel overwhelmed, focus on one simple strong truth. Add to that Mike Durants' mention of how much it meant to him in his captivity to KNOW his fellow Night Stalkers and ground pounders were searching for him, there you have it.
Those kids give me a HUGE amount of strength in purpose and they know that.
2Door
 
I think we have posted some great ideas, it is just interesting to know what others think of for mental survival.

I will definitely be adding pictures to my BOB. although pics of the kids are always in my pocket anyways.
 
My thinking is also along the lines of Quirt. My goal is to have a place setup sufficiently isolated from civilization but capable of long term habitation that me and my family can E&E to. In a ideal word I would live there and then I would not have to go anywhere. As far as a book in my BOB I would carry two books. The first would be a compact yet thorough book that covered medical issues that might be occur to myself or a member in my party and the second would be some type of military field manual to help round out what I have forgotten since or never learned from my time in the military.
 
So many good ideas have already been mentioned.

Destinations-Locations.
At (or near) one of your bugout destinations, you might store a bunch of paperback books.
Most thieves would not take them. Choosing a town, as a possible destination, you might
consider a good Public Library as one consideration, not only for books, but human contact,
shelter, and internet wireless connection.

BOB, bag itself.

Radio and charger(s).
paper back book first half only: Man's Search For Meaning
http://www.amazon.com/Mans-Search-Meaning-Viktor-Frankl/dp/0671023373

I am a harmonica player (not very accomplished), and a warning is in order:
LEO's and presumably thieves-and-worse will follow the sound, especially in
the evening, but anytime it is out of place. First Hand Experience. Some LEO's
are bad guys, or one temptation away from being bad guys. At a minimum,
LEO's will be tempted to write a ticket for something; do not ask "for what?".
So take noise makers, but be smart as to when/where you use them. Examples:
do it in the daytime where there is lots of road noise,
do it inside a closed car.

As police modernize and add countermeasures to frustrate scanning (radio listening),
only rural areas will remain scanner country. If a scanner still works in your destination
area, definitely take one with you. It will add to your understanding and safety, and can
be fun listening.

Small internet phones are here now, and they will only get cheaper and more powerful.
Key element: charging them.
 
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