War is always a time of uncertainty and danger, especially during air raids. However, in such moments, many people prefer to hear explosions, even though this might seem paradoxical. There are several psychological and practical reasons for this.
“Several processes can influence these feelings. You’ve probably heard that soldiers returning from war to civilian life sometimes say they want to go back. This happens because, during prolonged danger, our emotional sensitivity threshold decreases. We start to feel our emotions less acutely. The mind does this to protect itself. As a result, to feel something, a person needs something truly intense. On the one hand, this saves us, but on the other, if traumatic events last too long, we may not feel strong emotions for an extended period. Something like emotional thirst appears, and we want to feel at least something. This ‘something’ can be the sound of an explosion during an air raid,” explains psychologist Nadia Branytska.
Control and Awareness
When people hear explosions, it gives them a sense of control over the situation. The sounds of explosions provide important information about what is happening around them. They can determine the locations of danger sources and assess whether the attack is approaching their area. This allows people to be more informed and make rational decisions regarding their next steps.
Safety Assessment
The sound of explosions also allows people to gauge how close or far away the attacks are. This helps them understand whether they are in direct danger or can remain in a relatively safe place. For example, if explosions are heard from afar, it might indicate that the attacks are occurring in another part of the city. On the other hand, loud and close explosions might signal the need to immediately take cover or evacuate.
Reducing Anxiety from Uncertainty
Uncertainty and unpredictability are some of the greatest sources of anxiety during war. People find it hard to tolerate the unknown, so hearing explosions, even if it’s frightening, is better than remaining in a state of complete unawareness. When they know what is happening, it reduces their anxiety and helps them feel more secure, even in such a dangerous situation.
“It may sound strange, but the sound of an explosion can give a person a sense of safety. Firstly, if something exploded somewhere, it didn’t explode near you, meaning you are still relatively safe. Secondly, it is always easier to deal with something that has already happened than with something you are expecting. Recall the anxious anticipation of a difficult exam or an unpleasant conversation. We intuitively feel the need for it to finally happen so that we can get rid of the suffering from waiting,” explains psychologist Nadia Branytska.
Social Interaction and Support
The sounds of explosions can become a trigger for social interaction. People start discussing the situation with others, sharing information, and emotionally supporting each other. This fosters a sense of community and mutual support. In critical situations, it’s important to be able to share your experiences with others as it helps reduce feelings of isolation and fear.
“Another possible reason is the experience we lived through during the first shellings. At that time, we felt a sense of unity. Many people met and befriended their neighbors for the first time. On an emotional level, being part of a group is one of our basic emotional needs. Our brain might mistakenly record ‘explosion equals unity’. Subsequently, we might unconsciously rely on this feeling, even if the circumstances are completely different,” explains Branytska.
Preparation for Action
Hearing explosions allows people to better prepare for possible next steps. The sounds of explosions can signal the need to take cover or evacuate. For instance, if the explosions are getting closer, it might be a signal for immediate evacuation to a safer place. Being aware of the current situation helps people act quickly and correctly, which can save lives.
Conclusion
Wanting to hear the sounds of explosions during an air raid is entirely normal. This is how our psychological defense mechanisms work.
While the sounds of explosions themselves are frightening and dangerous, they provide important information and help reduce the anxiety from uncertainty. Control over the situation, safety assessment, reducing anxiety, social interaction, and preparation for action—all these factors make the desire to hear explosions during an air raid understandable and logical. In such moments, every bit of information can be crucial for survival and psychological resilience.