Why Doesn't The Self-preservation Instinct Work?

2024 Author: Harry Day | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 15:43

He should be given to everyone at birth and accompany us throughout our lives. To protect us and our health, to protect us from dangers and troubles. But is it really so now?

In theory, yes. The instinct for self-preservation (IS) is innate and is inherited through DNA and the so-called genetic memory. What our ancestors had to work out empirically, we get right away. A small child from birth feels danger and knows how to avoid it - he screams when he is hungry, when he is in pain or cold, and this requires the attention and protection of an adult. With age, he is faced with other dangers and, too, must know how to react to them, but this is not always the case. Growing up, some of the children become too careful and afraid even where there is no danger, and some do not feel at all a threat and expose themselves to risk and face its consequences. Why is this happening?

IC MAY BE STRENGTHENED OR WEAKENED

Amplified IC

Surely you have come across not only children, but also adults who are worried about any reason, see danger where there is none and are constantly worried about their safety. For example, checking whether the doors are closed with all locks several times. There are adults who very carefully and scrupulously monitor their diet, avoiding all kinds of harmful foods and do not allow themselves even a little tasty if it is not useful. There are overly cautious and fearful people who avoid any potentially dangerous and not very situations. And all of them are united by the fact that their feeling of fear of death is too actualized. In other words, their IS is enhanced.

What are the reasons for this?

Scientists and psychologists around the world are actively investigating this issue, and it is known for sure that there are congenital as well as acquired factors that affect the functioning of IS.

It can be strengthened from birth, for example, in people living for generations in territories where there is a constant danger - wildlife, zones of military activity, etc. Therefore, in order to survive, their behavior acquires specific features, which are constantly reinforced and improved. As a result, it becomes typical for the majority of members of such a community and is passed down from generation to generation.

If we talk about the changes in IP that have arisen after birth and during later life, then circumstances that have a risk to human health and life can intensify it. These factors are quite intense and long-term, therefore, in this way they affect people with initially normal IP. IP intensifies especially during the early development of children, when they are in an unfavorable environment and do not feel safe. It also applies to any other period in life that significantly influenced the person and led to changes in responses to threats.

Weakened IC

As for the weakened IP, it can also be both congenital and acquired.

If a person has such features from the very beginning of life, then this is probably due to his heredity and / or certain gene modifications. And for a small part of the population, this is evolutionarily necessary. Because society needs people who can take risks, be decisive and fearless in extraordinary situations. We are talking about such professions as police, firefighters, military, doctors, etc. And their importance lies in the fact that, due to their characteristics, they can save the lives of many people who do not have such abilities, and thereby protect the community from great losses.

If the number of such people increases in the population, then this is not justified from the point of view of evolution. Because to satisfy their need for risky behavior, people expose themselves to unnecessary danger and often die.

I will give examples of this behavior below.

If IP was normal at birth and became weakened afterwards, this means that the changes are acquired in nature. Various factors could have influenced, but most often it is upbringing in the family, i.e. the influence of the microsociium. And, of course, one should not underestimate the contribution of the macrosociium, namely: the society in which the child develops. Children whose parents are overprotective and worried enough to prevent the child from contacting the real world on their own contribute to a decrease in IP. They often educate them with the help of morality - "I said it was scary, move away", "do not go into the fire, I say: you will burn yourself", "do not go, it is dangerous there", etc. Thus, they bring up all caution in the head, but do not allow them to be tested on sensations, feelings and emotions. And therefore it is difficult for them to feel the danger - they only hear about it. Their innate abilities are weakened because are not reinforced or manifested.

As for society, it influences through its social and cultural characteristics. For example, growing up in fairly comfortable conditions, having food in full access, good housing, high-quality medical care and protection of the state in the form of the police and other structures, a person does not need to survive and get food. His defense system is completely unused. And again: given by nature is lost.

What happens if the IC works too hard or, on the contrary, loses its power?

When IP is strengthened, we become overly cautious and fearful, deprive ourselves of potential pleasures and pleasures, because we are afraid to try something new or unknown. We experience a lot of anxiety and fear in situations that are not justified for this. We limit or complicate life, in order to prevent imaginary troubles.

When it is weakened, we are dealing with opposite phenomena - low sensitivity to dangers and threats, as well as a weak feeling of fear of death. And these may be people of the “saving” professions, which were mentioned above, and their desire for risk is evolutionarily justified, but, unfortunately, not for them personally. And also the second category of people who take risks intentionally and enjoy it. They are so attracted to an extreme situation that overcoming it, they get a lot of adrenaline and satisfaction, and for this they are ready to repeat it over and over again.

I will give the following examples. For example, adolescents whose fear is dulled find themselves in dangerous situations without really realizing it. They can learn extreme driving, drink alcohol in large quantities, experiment in sexual relations, without considering the serious consequences that are very likely. Because their weakened IP in combination with active sex hormones does not make you feel the threat to the fullest.

With regard to adults, I would talk about all kinds of risky entertainment and extreme sports - diving, mountaineering, bungee jumping (bungee jumping), base jumping (parachuting from stationary objects), slacklining (rope climbing for very high altitude), volcano boarding (descent from an active volcano on a board), limbo skating (skating under a very low obstacle, for example, under a car on the road) and many others, as well as roofing (climbing the roofs of tall buildings), digging (penetrating underground facilities), train surfing (riding on the roofs of trains, electric trains, etc. transport), etc. The pleasure of which is great and unusual, and the risks are not always proportionate.

What to do with enhanced IC?

Children with enhanced IP need a safe environment, affectionate and respectful treatment. It is important for them to constantly check and make sure of the strength of this world and its stability. It is necessary to adhere to a sleep and nutritional regimen. Create a good recreational environment free of disturbing sounds and noises. Games for them should be chosen more calm, and in which there are no sudden, unpredictable and unpleasant moments. Consistency is important to them.

For the younger generation with weakened IP, it is important to set an example, explain important things and let them check everything for themselves. They just need to trust in this and have patience. For example, bringing his hand to the fire, the child feels its warmth, then the heat, and noticing these sensations does not climb into the fire, because feels that the temperature is already high. Let him feel it on his own, because more often, we know more than we feel. And this applies to other situations with height, sharp objects, etc.

Adults with heightened IP, which manifests itself in a little anxiety and caution, should increase their sense of security. Think about what it depends on and take additional measures. If this concerns the house, then he will take care of its physical protection (windows, doors, etc.), if about transport, then find an option for a more relaxed type of movement, etc. Those who are too fearful and careful can be advised to "try the world for its strength" little by little. If you are afraid to visit some crowded places, shops with expensive clothes, etc., you can go there in the company of a person who is not afraid and will be able to provide support. The main thing is not to rush and do it gradually. The same applies to other examples associated with an excessive desire for a healthy diet, for example, or a healthy lifestyle. To try what I want, but little by little and slowly, listening to my inner sensations, in order to really understand me well with this or not, this knowledge of mine says that it is dangerous or a feeling.

People who have significantly increased IS, with high anxiety and fear, whose behavior cannot be corrected by the above methods, should seek help from a psychotherapist. But on condition that this interferes with the person himself and he feels the need for change.

What to do to maintain yourself with a weakened IP?

Growing up children, and especially adolescents, require other help from their parents in this regard, channeling their unrestrained energy and inclination to take risks in a peaceful direction. They will really like sports sections, martial arts, military sports sections and scout camps, where they will show their abilities and enjoy it. Pay attention to activities that your child enjoys and find similar but safe alternatives.

What to say to adults who like to take risks and put themselves in not always justified danger is that sometimes be children. Show your desires as often and variedly as possible. Perhaps satisfying your little pranks - learn to enjoy not only the excess of adrenaline, but still in a more loyal way for health and life. Get closer to your feelings, sensations and your body. Recognize his signs and reactions, and most importantly, trust. After all, we have a genetic memory and we can use it. Exercise, breathing, and other bodily practices to become more aware of yourself and your feelings.