Self-Rescue

[DISCLAIMER]

When at Camp Kinser in Okinawa, Japan (1997-1999), serving as military police (MP), I learned quite a bit about rescue—responsive operations that usually involve the saving of life, removal from danger, liberation from restraint, or the urgent treatment of injuries after an incident.

For instance, hypothetically speaking, imagine there were thousands of military personnel, their dependents, and local national employees on a major logistics base at any given time. In this example, suppose there was only a total of 30 rescue workers available during a single shift.

This includes MPs, firefighters, Japanese interpreters, and the like. If a fire at a Marine barracks erupted, that event may tie up 15 first responders. Simultaneously, a domestic violence call is received from another area of the base. There go three more rescuers from the roster.

Concurrently, a bomb threat is received at the on-base Post Exchange. This matter ties up the remaining rescue personnel. Separately, an emergent call is received concerning an incapacitated Marine at a Kinser warehouse. There simply aren’t any other units available for this event.

Simultaneous rescue scenarios such as this were something for which MPs frequently trained during my time in Okinawa. That’s when I began to better understand the danger of pandemonium (a wild uproar, as because of anger or excitement in a crowd of people).

For example, with two fireteams (four or fewer military members per team), a major city (a city to have a population of 100,000 to 1 million or more) could be crippled. It takes even fewer special operators to accomplish this feat. (Don’t ask me how, because this isn’t a how-to post.)

In a matter of hours, the thinly veiled fabric of civility almost completely dissolves. That’s when animalistic instinct kicks in and it’s every person for oneself. If you think emergency personnel are going to be available to save you, then you’re in for a rude awakening!

This is one of the invaluable lessons I learned while stationed at Camp Kinser as an MP. Thus, I learned the importance of self-rescue—the process of resolving an emergency situation through the actions of the individual or group threatened by the emergency.

This is especially relevant during a mass casualty incident— an incident in which emergency medical services resources, such as personnel and equipment, are overwhelmed by the number and severity of casualties. Regarding such events, I’m prepared to self-rescue. Are you?

I recall discussing this matter with a former friend during the dark days of the COVID-19 lockdowns. She expressed disbelief at the notion that first responders wouldn’t be available during calamity (a disastrous event marked by great loss and lasting distress and suffering).

For her sake, I hope she doesn’t experience such an event. Alternatively, as for those of you who approach this matter rationally (in accordance with both logic and reason), then I invite you to consider the psychotherapeutic modality I practice and a book that I’ve been steadily reading.

As Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) is informed by Stoic philosophy, this blog entry is part of an ongoing series regarding a book entitled The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman.

The authors quote Epictetus who stated, “We cry to God Almighty, how can we escape this agony? Fool, don’t you have hands? Or could it be God forgot to give you a pair? Sit and pray your nose doesn’t run! Or, rather just wipe your nose and stop seeking a scapegoat” (page 177).

I interpret that as Epictetus’s mockery of the modern expression “thoughts and prayers”— a phrase commonly used by politicians, public figures, and celebrities, particularly in the United States, as a condolence after a deadly event such as a natural disaster or mass shooting.

When contemplating this matter, I’m reminded of rapper Fat Trel’s mixtape Muva Russia (2016). Specifically, the track “Bible” comes to mind. In particular, on the chorus, the rapper states:

I’m looking at this Bible, should I read it?

All this money I be making, do I need it?

The way these bitches be treatin’, should I believe it?

Should I embrace all my sins, or just delete ‘em?

I’m looking at this Bible

(I might hurt a lot of people’s feelings with this second verse)

I got a Bible

(But these my loved ones)

My mama gave me a Bible

(I don’t give a fuck what they did, these my loved ones)

I’m looking at this Bible

(Gang, gang)

My interpretation of the Fat Trel chorus regards the rapper’s ability to think critically. He ostensibly considers relying on supernatural forces to rescue him versus taking action on his own. This is the crux of absurdity regarding a “thoughts and prayers” approach to danger.

You can think until you develop a headache or pray until you fall asleep doing so and, like my former friend, you will likely be one of the first to perish during pandemonium and calamity. Of this matter, supporting Epictetus’s perspective, authors of The Daily Stoic state (page 177):

The world is unfair. The game is rigged. So-and-so has it out for you. Maybe these theories are true, but practically speaking—for the right here and now—what good are they to you?

That government report or that sympathetic news article isn’t going to pay the bills or rehab your broken leg or find that bridge loan you need. Succumbing to the self-pity and “woe is me” narrative accomplishes nothing—nothing except sapping you of the energy and motivation you need to do something about your problem.

Doing something about your problem, whether dire or not, isn’t akin to repeatedly calling emergency services personnel to save you. Likewise, it isn’t about “thoughts and prayers” for supernatural intervention. Such irrational behavior brings to mind yet another hip hop song.

On his third studio album I Pledge Allegiance to the Grind II (2008), lyricist Killer Mike featured the track “Good-Bye (City of Dope)” that was produced by Malay. Lyrics of the refrain state:

Kiss your ass good-bye

Good-bye, good-bye

Kiss your ass good-bye

Good-bye, good-bye

Kiss your ass good-bye

I’m not stating with certainty that first responders or a deity won’t be able to save you during pandemonium or calamity. However, I’m outright declaring that if you disregard a self-rescue option, then you can “kiss your ass good-bye!”

Perhaps until police, firefighters, paramedics, or God arrives on the scene, you can self-rescue. If choosing this option while the aforementioned never make it your way, then you’re already saving yourself! Regarding this matter, authors of The Daily Stoic state (page 177):

We have a choice: Do we focus on the ways we have been wronged, or do we use what we’ve been given and get to work? Will we wait for someone to save us, or will we listen to Marcus Aurelius’s empowering call to “get active in your own rescue—if you care for yourself at all—and do it while you can.” That’s better than just blowing your own nose (which is a step forward in itself).

A self-rescue approach to both physiological and psychological elements is what I’m advocating herein. While it may be comforting to lie to yourself about how others absolutely will rescue you from a physical health or mental health event, there’s no guarantee that people will be available.

After all, given the lesson I learned at Camp Kinser, you may not be the only individual experiencing crisis (the turning point for better or worse in an acute disease or fever, or an emotionally significant event or radical change of status in a person’s life). Resources are finite.

Therefore, I encourage you to prepare for self-rescue. Additionally, if you’d like to learn more about taking personal responsibility and accountability (collectively “ownership”) for your own outcomes, then I look forward to hearing from you. Otherwise, “thoughts and prayers” to you.

If you’re looking for a provider who tries to work to help understand how thinking impacts physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral elements of your life—helping you to sharpen your critical thinking skills, I invite you to reach out today by using the contact widget on my website.

As the world’s foremost hip hop-influenced REBT psychotherapist, I’m pleased to try to help people with an assortment of issues from anger (hostility, rage, and aggression) to relational issues, adjustment matters, trauma experience, justice involvement, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety and depression, and other mood or personality-related matters.

At Hollings Therapy, LLC, serving all of Texas, I aim to treat clients with dignity and respect while offering a multi-lensed approach to the practice of psychotherapy and life coaching. My mission includes: Prioritizing the cognitive and emotive needs of clients, an overall reduction in client suffering, and supporting sustainable growth for the clients I serve. Rather than simply trying to help you to feel better, I want to try to help you get better!

Deric Hollings, LPC, LCSW

References:

Apple Music. (n.d.). Muva Russia. Apple Inc. Retrieved from https://music.apple.com/ca/album/muva-russia/1465785513

Daily Stoic. (n.d.). Translating the Stoics: An interview with “The Daily Stoic” co-author Stephen Hanselman. Retrieved from https://dailystoic.com/stephen-hanselman-interview/

Fat Trel. (2019, May 29). Bible [Video]. YouTube. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/Ne_TNk6iJmE?si=1GNXLwEBWJbX467o

Holiday, R. and Hanselman, S. (2016). The daily stoic: 366 meditations on wisdom, perseverance, and the art of living. Penguin Random House LLC. Retrieved from https://www.pdfdrive.com/the-daily-stoic-366-meditations-on-wisdom-perseverance-and-the-art-of-living-d61378067.html

Hollings, D. (2024, April 4). An honest crisis. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/an-honest-crisis

Hollings, D. (2025, September 24). Animalistic instinct: Just because it seems right doesn’t mean it is. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/animalistic-instinct-just-because-it-seems-right-doesn-t-mean-it-is

Hollings, D. (2025, April 22). Bad ideas deserve to be mocked. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/bad-ideas-deserve-to-be-mocked

Hollings, D. (2024, November 4). Critical thinking. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/critical-thinking

Hollings, D. (2022, March 15). Disclaimer. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/disclaimer

Hollings, D. (2024, May 17). Feeling better vs. getting better. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/feeling-better-vs-getting-better-1

Hollings, D. (2023, October 12). Get better. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/get-better

Hollings, D. (2025, September 22). Hey you! You’re losing your mind! Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/hey-you-you-re-losing-your-mind

Hollings, D. (n.d.). Hollings Therapy, LLC [Official website]. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/

Hollings, D. (2024, February 20). I have a theory about that. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/i-have-a-theory-about-that

Hollings, D. (2024, September 26). Interpreted reality. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/interpreted-reality

Hollings, D. (2025, October 13). Knowledge, wisdom, understanding. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/knowledge-wisdom-understanding

Hollings, D. (2023, September 19). Life coaching. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/life-coaching

Hollings, D. (2023, January 8). Logic and reason. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/logic-and-reason

Hollings, D. (2025, November 16). Mental health, mental illness, and mental disorder. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/mental-health-mental-illness-and-mental-disorder

Hollings, D. (2023, September 3). On feelings. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/on-feelings

Hollings, D. (2023, April 24). On truth. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/on-truth

Hollings, D. (2025, April 9). Perception, action, and will. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/perception-action-and-will

Hollings, D. (2022, November 7). Personal ownership. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/personal-ownership

Hollings, D. (2025, September 9). Personal responsibility and accountability. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/personal-responsibility-and-accountability

Hollings, D. (2025, October 27). Physiological and psychological fitness. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/physiological-and-psychological-fitness

Hollings, D. (2024, July 10). Preferential should beliefs. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/preferential-should-beliefs

Hollings, D. (2023, November 23). Problems. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/problems

Hollings, D. (2023, September 15). Psychotherapeutic modalities. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/psychotherapeutic-modalities

Hollings, D. (2024, May 5). Psychotherapist. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/psychotherapist

Hollings, D. (2022, March 24). Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT). Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/rational-emotive-behavior-therapy-rebt

Hollings, D. (2025, August 13). Rational versus irrational thoughts and beliefs. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/rational-versus-irrational-thoughts-and-beliefs

Hollings, D. (2023, December 22). Right here, right now. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/right-here-right-now

Hollings, D. (2024, April 21). Stoicism. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/stoicism

Hollings, D. (2023, September 6). The absence of suffering. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/the-absence-of-suffering

Hollings, D. (2025, February 28). To try is my goal. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/to-try-is-my-goal

Hollings, D. (2024, August 20). We all make our choices. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/we-all-make-our-choices

Killer Mike. (2015, July 28). Good-Bye (City of Dope) [Video]. YouTube. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/bHqROsFiCoE?si=BPKmobHeFlLwBi3T

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Camp Kinser. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camp_Kinser

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Epictetus. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epictetus

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Fat Trel. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fat_Trel

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Fireteam. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fireteam

Wikipedia. (n.d.). I Pledge Allegiance to the Grind II. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Pledge_Allegiance_to_the_Grind_II

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Killer Mike. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Killer_Mike

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Marcus Aurelius. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcus_Aurelius

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Mass casualty incident. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_casualty_incident

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Malay (music producer). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malay_(music_producer)

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Military police. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_police

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Rescue. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rescue

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Ryan Holiday. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryan_Holiday

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Special operations. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special_operations

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Thoughts and prayers. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thoughts_and_prayers

Wikiwand. (n.d.). Self-rescue. Retrieved from https://www.wikiwand.com/en/articles/Self-rescue