Find out what you can do to prevent Stockholm syndrome if you’re ever abducted.
“Unfortunately, one cannot change their underlying psychological makeup, and I don’t know of any actions that can be completely protective in particularly vulnerable individuals,” says David M. Reiss, MD, a psychiatrist from San Diego with extensive experience in PTSD.
That doesn’t mean there aren’t some guidelines to take note of for increasing the odds of preventing Stockholm syndrome in a hostage scenario.
Dr. Reiss presents the following tips for assisting in the prevention of developing Stockholm syndrome.
Remind Yourself of the Reality. No matter how “well” your captor seems to be treating you (good food, bathroom breaks), continuously remind yourself you’re a hostage; you’ve been abducted; your freedom has been robbed.
Yes, stay cool to avoid enraging the captor, but “Be a good actor/actress, but never forget that any ‘thankfulness’ shown to the perpetrator is a manipulation, a ploy, and is NOT actually merited,” says Dr. Reiss.
Tolerate Fear. The situation should be frightening, says Dr. Reiss. Do not allow your level of fear to dwindle. Remind yourself you’re in a horrible situation.
Maintain Emotional Distance. Keep detached from the captor, even if he tells you a sob story of his abusive childhood.
“Keep in mind the primary fact that what they are doing is dastardly – regardless of the excuses or rationales they may suggest,” says Dr. Reiss.
It is not YOUR responsibility to let the captor off the hook because he’s disturbed and was locked in dark closets without food by his parents for days on end. That’s the justice system’s job once he is put on trial.
Maintain Distrust. Assume that a person who kidnaps is a person who lies and manipulates, and may be skilled at this.
“No matter how seemingly sincere the perpetrator may be, manage your behavior as befits safety, but keep reminding yourself that they are not to be trusted – at all, regarding anything,” says Dr. Reiss.
Relate to other Victims. If it’s a group hostage situation, maintain as much safe and appropriate contact as possible with other victims. Avoid discussing the morality of the captor’s behavior.
Keep your relationship distant from any victims showing signs of Stockholm syndrome.
One way to help prevent Stockholm syndrome is to refrain from trying to save a fellow hostage from it.
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Fantasize Your Escape. No matter how remote an actual escape may be, keep envisioning it. Keep imagining you ARE scaling that fence outside or climbing down the wall to ground level.
To achieve you must first conceive and believe. To help prevent Stockholm syndrome, never believe that your imprisonment is your “new normal.”
Manage Feelings of Depression and Hopelessness
They’re normal for a hostage victim, but don’t let them dictate your frame of mind or behavior.
Tolerating these feelings rather than “trying to escape” them will help protect against Stockholm syndrome.
Following the above guidelines will go a long way in increasing the chances of preventing Stockholm syndrome.
Though these tips may seem like no-brainers, many people would have difficulty practicing them in a hostage situation.
Dr. Reiss has been in private practice 25+ years, specializing in adult and adolescent psychiatry, having evaluated and treated over 10,000 patients.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
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