Some of us are more risk-averse than others, and some of us love adventure and trying new things. Risk-taking sounds like a bad thing, but it is really just a fancy way of describing adventurousness and courage. Risk-taking is impacted by a lot of individual factors, like age, life experience, and perception. So those of us who like adventure may find our decision-making skills really challenged in a global health crisis.
To gather, or not to gather?
Simple decisions like going out to eat, getting together with friends, traveling, and even figuring out what to allow our kids to do, take on a life-or-death flavor. Our perception of risk may significantly impair our ability to make the “right” decision, which is why we see some people moving about as if there is no pandemic. Ultimately, we have to base our decisions on our individual situations, determining what is best given the risks involved.
These mini risk analyses require more than just thinking about it or talking it out with friends or loved ones. We should seek to educate ourselves on the risk factors and on what we can control. The more uncontrolled variables involved, the riskier the activity might be. And lastly, we have to remember that our behavior has ripple effects, so your risk-taking might have an impact on others.
During “normal” times canceling an activity or having to skip out on something fun is sad and disappointing. During a pandemic, we might find ourselves trying to justify participating in something unsafe because our sense of adventure is beckoning. Hold on to hope. If we make the “right” decisions now, new adventures await.
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About Bradd Buckingham, M.A., LPC-R; Resident in Counseling:
Bradd is currently a resident in counseling providing counseling services at our Fredericksburg location. He is actively pursuing his license in Professional Counseling (LPC). Bradd is a recent graduate of The University of the Cumberlands with a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. He completed a demanding internship working with individuals and couples at Fredericksburg Counseling Services.
Bradd specializes in working with individuals with complex trauma, personality disorders, anxiety, and depression. He can offer a safe environment for individuals and families in the LGBTQ community, as well as individuals with a variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds. To learn more about Bradd, visit HERE.
