How important is my safety?

How often have we heard – Be safe?
Why do we place so much importance on “being safe”? And what do we really mean by safety. Are we talking only about physical safety, or are we considering mental and emotional safety as well?

Most commonly, we speak only about physical safety, assuming it is necessary. Yes, it makes sense also. If we are in a physically unsafe environment, we spend all our energy in being safe which hinders all our other processes.

Abraham Maslow, a renowned psychologist, proposed a theory on the hierarchy of human needs in 1943. He believed that individuals have a set of innate needs that must be satisfied in a particular order to achieve self-actualization.

He described these needs in the shape of a pyramid with five levels arranged from the most basic physiological needs at the bottom to the highest level of self-actualization at the top.

·      Physiological needs – Our most fundamental needs. Requirements for biological survival including food, water, shelter, sleep, and bodily functions.

·      Safety needs - Security, stability, and freedom from fear. Need for order, structure, and control.

·      Belongingness needs - Humans have an innate drive to belong to groups and form bonds. This comes from our social connections, relationships, love.

·      Esteem needs - Respect, status, recognition, confidence. Involves self-esteem, achievement, and respect from others.

·      Self-actualization needs - Realizing one's full potential. Pursuing growth, creativity, meaning, and fulfillment. Reaching one's capabilities.

However, according to Maslow, to feel “safe” we must focus on physical, financial and emotional safety. Therefore, safety is not just physical but has other dimensions as well.

Being physically safe

·      Safety Needs is referred to as the sturdy desire of humans for safety and security to remain secure or safe from any harm. Physical safety is related to the outside safety of our bodies. If we don’t feel safe physically then it increases our stress level, insecurity, and affects our concentration power, ability to think, and overall quality of life. In today’s time safety is not only having one house to live in, but it encompasses safety in the form of health insurance, life insurance, job security, secured housing, locked phones and a healthy working environment.

Example – paying 15,000 rupees a year for a health insurance makes us feel physically safe.

Being financially safe

·      It refers to being financially independent so that one can pay their necessary utility bills and can bear other unavoidable financial burdens. Financial safety is having a luxurious bank balance, high return investments, minimum credit, freedom to make future plan sand healthcare.

Example – all the investments in mutual funds outline our financial safety net.

Being emotionally safe

·      Emotional safety refers to feeling secure enough in relationships and environments to freely express, communicate, and be oneself without fear of criticism, judgement, or rejection. Emotional safety looks like being in relationships where there is trust, respect, cooperation, understanding, authenticity and predictability.

Example – sticking or going back to the same romantic partner even after ending things, threatens our emotional safety.

Let's answer our main question, why do we stress so much on “being safe”?

According to numerous researches, Safety needs overpower all the other needs. Safety is the major reason for mental disorders, such as anxiety, phobia, depression, and PTSD. It is also a major cause of stress.

We experience fear and anger due to the safety needs, joy and sadness due to the physiological needs. If we are full, we feel joyous. On the other hand, if we get wet in the rain, our mood spirals within minutes.

Similarly, Fear and anger come from being unsafe. When something unexpected happens, we first feel scared and then blame the un-expectancy. This is our safety net.

Un-expectancy can arise from various situations, such as relocating to a new place, trying unfamiliar experiences, or facing unexpected challenges. Initially, our brain perceives these circumstances as temporary, and we have the capacity to cope with them. However, when feelings of insecurity persist across physical, emotional, or financial domains for an extended period, our ability to adapt becomes compromised. This chronic state of fear permeates our daily lives, adversely affecting our immune system and rendering us more susceptible to illness. Furthermore, it may lead to self-isolation, which can have detrimental effects on overall health, manifesting as heightened stress levels, sleep disturbances, weight fluctuations, dietary issues, and an increased vulnerability to anxiety and depression.

One line answer to the question can be, Safety is a fundamental human need that is deeply ingrained in our psyche and plays a crucial role in our overall well-being.

In essence, the pursuit of safety is deeply rooted in our innate drive for survival, security, and well-being. It is a fundamental requirement for individuals to thrive and reach their full potential, making it a paramount concern in our lives.

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