Emotional Preparation . . .the killer in the dark . . .

In many survival situations one of the greatest dangers to the human spirit is the emotional damage caused by a traumatic event.

Let's make one thing clear, the ubiquitous undead have no emotions, experience no fear, love, or hate, and absolutely WILL NOT STOP, . . . .until you are dead. Ok, pardon the Terminator movie paraphrasing, but I elucidate my meaning.

As humans, we are subject to all of this and more. Now, I am not saying that we are to become robots, but there is a time and place for emotional responses, and in a survival situation, there is very little room for error. Zombie events are dynamic and survival is based on quick and decisive resolutions.

I understand that when there are multiple lives involved, complex situations occur that can have a negative effect on survival, which is why I prefer to be solo. Regardless, we are human and will make mistakes, but we can have some control in a zombie situation so we can significantly reduce those mistakes.

As a disclaimer, I am NOT a counselor or psychiatrist by any means. The knowledge I am providing here is from my own experiences, training, and research. It is VERY basic information and you should do more research for your own edification.

1. Food/Water - Rest - Exercise. Very basic and no-brainer. Essentially this is what everyone should be getting, and no, this isn't a commercial. Before and during the event, these are necessary for emotional health and survival. Pretty obvious. I know that in a post-apocalyptic world these things may be difficult at times to acquire, but they should be priority one.

Remember, nothing fancy. Food/Water is going to taste like shit sometimes, as long as it is edible/drinkable and safe. Rest won't always be an (8) eight hour beauty rest. Sometimes a cat nap is all you can get, so take it.

Exercise is the easiest component. Don't overwork yourself to the point where you can't lift your shotgun and plug a zombie in the head. Pushups, situps, jogging, jumping jacks, burpies, squats, stretching, hand-to-hand practice, etc. are all excellent activities because they don't require any special equipment and some of them can even be done in cramped quarters.

2. Keep busy. Simply put, whether it be weapon maintenance, logistical planning, reviewing maps, preparing food for travel storage, playing chess, etc. Nothing keeps depression away like keeping busy.

3. Humor - Conversation - Discussion

Keeping the mind busy is just as important as keeping the body busy. Humor is one of the best ways to boost morale and conversation and discussion provokes thought within the group. Analysis of strategies and mental scenarios can help you deal with traumatic events. If you see someone fading away into a catatonic stupor, attempt to involve this person in simple but necessary tasks and slowly build that person back up to reality. NOTE: Weapon Cleaning is not a suggested task.

4. When you get a chance, do the things that you enjoy. Whether it be reading, writing, jerking-off, playing guitar, etc. .

Remember not to compromise your safety, but being able to do something that you enjoy, even in a desolate and dark hell, will help to maintain your sanity. I suggest porn or poker.

5. Last, but definitely not least, accept your mistakes and persevere. Survival, not self-pity and guilt, is the focus. We cannot control the outcome of everything, but we can certainly train ourselves to control how we react.

More to come. . . sorry for the absence. . .pics of the new pistol to come next week. . .