Behaviour
How others react — and how you respond to it
Self-help, not a substitute for medical or psychological treatment.
In acute danger to life or a medical emergency, call 144 (ambulance) or 112 first. In acute mental distress: 143 (The Helping Hand), for children and young people 147.
Contrary to what films suggest, sheer mass panic rarely breaks out in real emergencies. Disaster research shows: most people stay surprisingly calm, help one another and act in an orderly way. It is nevertheless worth knowing the typical reaction patterns.
Realistic reaction patterns
- The majority cooperates. Solidarity and mutual help are the rule. A strong sense of "we" often arises among strangers.
- Real mass panic is rare and overestimated — don't rely on the cliché.
- More common are other reactions: freezing, listlessness/apathy, exaggerated activism or irritability/aggression — mostly out of fear and being overwhelmed.
De-escalation — basic rules
- Stay calm yourself. Your calm is the most powerful tool.
- Distance and respect. Don't crowd anyone.
- Don't provoke, don't shout back. Don't answer aggression with aggression.
- Show understanding: "I can see that this is a lot right now." Acknowledgement takes the pressure off.
- Speak clearly and simply, short sentences, calm voice.
Dealing with specific reactions
- Freezing/apathy: address gently by name, offer eye contact, a small clear task gives support.
- Over-eagerness/headless action: gently involve and steer — direct the energy towards something useful.
- Fear/panic: stay calmly alongside, breathe together, lead to a quieter place.
- Aggression out of fear: keep distance, hands visible, calm voice. The aim is calming down, not being right. In case of real threat: your own safety first, distance, if necessary 117 (police).
Calming children
- Get down to their level, calm voice, simple words.
- Explain honestly, but in a child-appropriate way, what is happening.
- Offer closeness and physical contact, if the child allows it.
- Involve attachment figures — children take their cue from the calm of the adults.
- For beginners: if someone snaps at you, it is almost never personal — it is the fear speaking. Breathe, stay calm.
- Expert tip: safety before helpfulness. In case of physical threat, self-protection first — distance, escape route, if necessary 117.
This content is for information only and does not replace medical or psychological treatment. If symptoms persist or worsen, get help — in acute mental distress call 143, in acute danger to life call 144 or 117.