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Small-Scale Question Sunday for October 22, 2023

Do you have a dumb question that you're kind of embarrassed to ask in the main thread? Is there something you're just not sure about?

This is your opportunity to ask questions. No question too simple or too silly.

Culture war topics are accepted, and proposals for a better intro post are appreciated.

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40% chance you have a psychotic break

Reasonably sure that this is unlikely; 28 is a little late for a man to have a first psychotic break and I have no first- or second- degree relatives with a history of either schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

So. I'm reading that you think that I'll actually survive the Hock, two or three weeks of trudging through some godforsaken wind-blasted frigid tundra in the middle of nowhere...but mentally more fucked up than before. Interesting thought here...

Anyone can have a psychotic break at any age, no prior history is necessary you just have to believe in yourself! the only prerequisite is a prolonged bout of extreme psychological disruption. Being completely alone doesn't seem too disruptive if you do it for a couple of days or even a week, but two weeks in its a whole different ball game. Not because humans are social creatures (although that is true) but because it is so radically different from the modern experience, where even in rural areas or if you stay in your home all day you can still hear and maybe see your neighbours, cars on the street, the postman and the like. What is the longest you have spent in total isolation?

And yeah man, if I wanted to say something positive about the hock it's that you've put a lot of thought into it. I assume you have figured out exactly what you'll need to survive, plus contingencies. And you're under thirty and in decent shape (and although I can't recall you saying so I assume you have some mountain climbing experience because it would be too insane if you didn't) so while I'm sure it will be challenging, it sounds feasible. If you convinced a friend to go with you I'd be on board.