In crisis situations, what often increases due to emotional strain?

In crisis situations, emotional strain typically intensifies fear and distress. This is because individuals facing a crisis may feel overwhelmed by uncertainty and potential threats to their safety or well-being. The emotional reactions can trigger a fight-or-flight response, leading to heightened anxiety and panic, which are common reactions when individuals are confronted with challenging circumstances.

This impact on mental and emotional health can manifest in various ways, such as increased short-term stress responses, difficulty in decision-making, and a sense of helplessness in the face of the situation. As a result, the natural human response to navigate unpredictable or threatening environments often leads to a spike in fear and distress rather than an increase in empathy, confidence, or control.