Surviving Together: The Importance of Community in Survival Situations

Man is a social being, no man is an island… we hear these phrases so often in this life. There is no society more complex than that of humans because surviving is not only about preserving one's own life, but protecting those around us.

Sure, there are a few outliers who prefer flying solo, but let’s be honest—the average Joe wants to be surrounded by folks who have his back, especially when the chips are down. When it comes to surviving, your chances improve dramatically when you stick together with others. Group dynamics provide an unparalleled advantage in emergencies, offering not only protection but also a shared pool of resources and opinions.

Surviving Alone: Is It Possible?

While the allure of going solo in a survival scenario may seem appealing, it’s essential to recognize the advantages of group support. Working as a cohesive unit allows everyone to chip in, whether it's gathering resources or building a robust shelter. Alone, the burden is heavy; together, it becomes manageable. Whether you’re looking at defensively securing your home or getting a bug-out plan going, the extra hands really make the work lighter.

Now, when the SHTF, some folks might think, “Hey, I can do this alone.” But is that really the way to go for surviving?

The “Lone Wolf” Mentality Will Get You Killed

We’ve all encountered those self-proclaimed lone warriors—people convinced that they can kick it into survival mode all by themselves. I hate to break it to you, but that mindset is a one-way ticket to disaster. For years, I’ve seen this attitude bubble up in martial arts and tactical discussions. The harsh truth? Very few are genuinely prepared for long-term isolation.

Look, if you think you can just head off into the wilderness and thrive without prior experience, I wish you the best of luck. But let’s get real here: if that’s your plan, when you do bite the dust after a couple of months, thank you in advance for leaving more resources for the rest of us. Appreciate it.

Consider this: if you feel like you need to run away and fend for yourself, think about what happens to the loved ones you leave behind. Will you just abandon your family? What about your friends who might be counting on you for support? Do you genuinely believe you’ll be able to drag a deer back home for them after a day out hunting?

Collective Survival: A Crucial Strategy

In reality, surviving in a critical situation is far easier when you have a community around you. Not only can you share resources, but you also create bonds that foster trust and dependability. Life is always tougher when faced alone; add a community to the mix, and you find the strength to overcome hurdles together.

Furthermore, the mental aspect of survival cannot be overstated. Loneliness can lead to despair—when you're battling the elements alone, it can get dark fast. Having a circle of people you can rely on? That’s not just an asset, it’s a lifeline.

So, build your survival network. Develop relationships now before chaos strikes. Who knows? When the day comes, you might find a sense of solace in shared experiences, making the struggle to survive not merely bearable but something you can get through as a team.

Related Articles You Might Find Interesting:

• How To Test Your Family’s Survival Skills
• The Psychology of Survival – Why Your Mind Matters Most
• 16 Creature Comforts For When You Need To Hunker Down

For further insights, consider checking out Ready.gov, which provides excellent resources for emergency preparedness.

Additionally, you might find great community support and survival training tips from Survival School.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on Oct 31, 2016, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.