The art of surviving starts with having a survivor’s mindset. Look at survivors’ stories; their mental traits are a central part of what enabled them to endure their situations. 

If you have witnessed or experienced a traumatic event or have a cumulation of traumatic experiences, you’re a survivor. However, sometimes it may not feel that way. After experiencing a traumatic event, it can be easy to adopt a victim mentality. One may negatively perceive themselves as a victim of tragedy or trauma. They may not realize the negative impact that this type of mindset can have on their overall well-being. 

First responders who are repeatedly exposed to stressful events may start to develop self-defeating emotions such as anger, resentment, guilt, or shame; they may even start using substances to escape these feelings. On the other hand, adopting a survivor mentality and employing psychological survival tactics can be much more advantageous to any person’s health and well-being. 

Stop the victim mentality

Carrying a mindset of self-defeating thoughts may leave one with a sense of powerlessness. However, something that happened to a person does not reflect who they are; it doesn’t define them. Here’s a list of phrases that need to STOP today to stray away from the victim mentality: 

• “I should have known better.”
• “I deserved it, and I deserve to feel this way.”
• “Why does this always happen to me?”
• “I am to blame.”
• “Bad things keep happening to me.”

Strengthening survivor mentality

Now, here’s the good part, the part we all need to focus on. A survivor mentality is a frame of mind that promotes self-empowerment and a person’s ability to overcome a traumatic event. Focusing on the ability to survive rather than being a victim can help prevail over life’s challenges instead of being held back or defined by them. This mentality recognizes and celebrates resiliency and strength over helplessness.

Here are a few mantras; say these to yourself to assist in developing a survivor mentality: 

• “I am a survivor.”
• “I am resilient.” 
• “This doesn’t define me, and I can adapt.”
• “I am a survivor of trauma; therefore, I know I can overcome future challenges.”

Tactics for psychological survival

The foundation of developing a survivor mentality and maintaining mental health is realizing you can do something and you have something worth fighting for. During a crisis or when experiencing challenging times, it’s key to remember to keep a positive attitude. A key to staying positive is to focus on how you can get better rather than focusing on how hard life is.

Remember to stay motivated. Being driven to change, improve, and learn new things can help you realize the power you have over your own life and understand that you are not helpless. In times of crisis, showing yourself compassion by treating yourself with the same kindness you would treat a loved one is crucial to overcoming self-defeating thoughts. 

Keep in mind that nothing is permanent, not even pain. Hardships will end, and you can make it out to the other side. Instead of focusing on the gravity and immense scope of it all, focus on the fact that it will end. Lastly, continue mindfulness and reinforce mantras as these tactics can help ground you in the present instead of worrying about what happened or what is to come; have a handful of positive mantras ready, like the ones listed above.