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... stress hormones are meant to give us the strength and…

“... stress hormones are meant to give us the strength and endurance to respond to extraordinary conditions. People who actively do something to deal with a disaster - rescuing loved ones or strangers, transporting people to a hospital, being a part of a medical team, pitching tents or cooking…” quote by Bessel A. van der Kolk
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““... stress hormones are meant to give us the strength and endurance to respond to extraordinary conditions. People who actively do something to deal with a disaster - rescuing loved ones or strangers, transporting people to a hospital, being a part of a medical team, pitching tents or cooking meals - utilize their stress hormones for their proper purpose and therefore are at much lower risk of becoming traumatized.””

Bessel A. van der Kolk

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Stress hormones can be harnessed for constructive action during crises, reducing trauma risk when used purposefully.

In simple terms: Use stress positively in emergencies.

Key Takeaway

Channel stress into purposeful actions.

Themes

stress response resilience trauma prevention

Mood

focused empowering

Type

practical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • disaster response
  • first aid
  • emergency volunteering
  • healthcare work

Key Concepts

physiology psychology coping strategies

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you transform stress into action?
  • What roles suit you in crisis situations?
A Different Perspective

Not all stress can be controlled; chronic stress remains harmful.

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