Sheepdog Tip of the Day, After Combat tip 31
The first response of most people upon seeing sudden, violent death is relief; they are relieved that it did not happen to them. Say your partner or buddy is killed and your first thought is, "Thank God it wasn't me." Later, when you reflect on your first response, how do you think that will make you feel? Guilty. You are consumed with guilt because no one ever told you that the normal response of most people upon seeing sudden violent death is to focus on themselves, and to feel relief. The puppy is in charge (your midbrain, that part concerned about your survival), and it sends out a message: Hey, that could have been me.
Lt. Col. Dave Grossman, On Combat
Sheepdog Tip of the Day services:
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Other killology services:
Bullet Proof Mind for the Armed Citizen Seminar
The Killology web site
Additional Resources
For PTSD, Shepherd Resource Group.