Skip to content

It is simply not possible to live in a state of acute fear…

“It is simply not possible to live in a state of acute fear and shock for more than a couple of weeks, and so the mind finds a path, a story, a way onwards. Shock is by definition transient, even when the shocking thing is here to stay.” quote by Sarah Moss
Download Open image
““It is simply not possible to live in a state of acute fear and shock for more than a couple of weeks, and so the mind finds a path, a story, a way onwards. Shock is by definition transient, even when the shocking thing is here to stay.””

Sarah Moss

About This Quote

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

She notes that prolonged fear and shock are unsustainable, so the mind creates narratives to move forward, emphasizing resilience.

In simple terms: The mind creates stories to cope when fear ends.

Key Takeaway

Find narratives that help you move past trauma.

Themes

resilience psychology healing

Mood

reflective hopeful

Type

psychological inspirational

When to use this quote

  • personal loss
  • natural disaster
  • health crisis
  • war aftermath

Key Concepts

cognitive adaptation narrative therapy

Questions to Reflect On

  • What story can you tell to reframe your fear?
  • How does storytelling aid healing?
A Different Perspective

Recovery can be hindered if the narrative is denial or avoidance.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Sarah Moss

Explore all 3 Sarah Moss quotes

More Fear quotes

Browse all 35,569 Fear quotes