Lesson 18 · Prevention
Awareness and stress
Notice early. Regulate fear. Decide clearly.
You do not need to remain on constant alert. Look up regularly, notice changes and respond to concrete warning signs. Fear is not failure; it is a physical warning signal. A calm exhalation and a glance towards the exit can help you choose the next action.
Decision compass
Decide safely
Four questions lead from observation to a clear, safer action.
What needs to be clarified now?
What must I notice first?
- Start in a familiar, low-risk setting and identify a clear exit or support option.
- Separate observable behaviour from assumptions about a person.
Remember: Observe → assess → choose a safer option → act.
Recognise the situation and act early
The four illustrations connect perception, positioning and a safer exit.
Relaxed awareness
In everyday life, occasionally look away from the screen and register exits, people, confined areas and changes without treating everyone with suspicion.
Increase attention
When someone approaches unusually, fixates on you, conceals their hands or blocks a route, change distance and position early.
Breathing and one task
Breathe in calmly through the nose once, then exhale a little longer through pursed lips without losing sight of the surroundings. Relax shoulders and hands during the exhale. Name only the next task: ‘distance’, ‘exit’ or ‘help’—not several plans at once.
Respond to concrete danger
When several warning signs align, shorten the discussion, move towards other people and leave early.
Sound decisions
- Stay aware without broadly suspecting others
- Assess several signals together
- Exhale deliberately under stress
- Practise simple exit decisions in advance
Avoid
- Living in permanent maximum alert
- Fixating only on a face or the eyes
- Suppressing fear or treating it as weakness
- Ignoring warning signs out of politeness
Knowledge check
Choose the option that preserves safety
In an almost empty train, someone repeatedly watches you, changes compartments with you and closes the distance. What is appropriate?
- AIgnore the behaviour to avoid appearing impolite.
- BChange position early, move near other people and leave at a busy station.
- CStare at the person provocatively.
- DWait until the last stop and then discuss it alone.
Show answer
B. Several matching behavioural changes justify increased awareness and an early, calm change of location.
Look up, recognise repeated warning signs and move towards an exit or other people before the situation becomes urgent.