Third Man Syndrome

[Belle Rose]

Has anybody seen “The Unexplained” series narrated and hosted by William Shatner on Netflix? I’ve been watching it overtime and it’s really interesting. But there was one thing that I just saw today that really intrigued me. This idea of the “Third Man Syndrome.”
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Third_man_factor

if you’re intrigued to know more, it’s in season 7, episode 7.

they’re talking about Antarctica exploration, and how in deep stress of a long journey across the Antarctica region, these men experienced another presence with them that helped them survive.

It got me thinking about my experience when I was stabbed and held hostage for several hours. I think I experienced this phenomenon on myself. I’ve debated over and over whether it was God talking to me or something else. But I can promise you it is what helped me survive.

I’m curious what you all think? has anyone else experienced third man syndrome and if so, how do you explain it as an atheist?

 

[TheEncogitationer]

Belle Rose:

I’ve never experienced the “Third Man” phenomenon. Perhaps, the mind detaches from situations of extreme trauma so it can perform necessary functions without distraction. The “third man” could be one form of this detachment. It would be good to talk to a Psychological Counselor who specializes in Trauma.

I hope you are doing better and will do even better in the future. Please keep us informed.

[Belle Rose]

Thank you @TheEncogitationer yes I’m doing fine. I was fortunate that the person was brought to justice which sadly is a huge uphill battle in this country. 93 months for attempted murder in the first degree. With good time possible release after just 5 years. I was one of the lucky ones. I can promise you most people in this county don’t get justice served easily.

[jakelafort]

After suviving that Belle Rose you can handle bout anything.

I have free climbed a mountain and gotten myself in real trouble. Could have died. Should have called for help. Risked it and survived. No third man accompanied me. However i had so much adrenaline that i literally did not feel cuts that were bleeding and had so much exuberance and energy that i went down the mountain and back up. Also screamed in triumph at surviving.

You remind me how of a friend who was murdered in Vegas by a guy who committed a slew of crimes and they involved unprovoked assaults and it was a professional boxer. So many of his victims called the cops and many times they did not even show up. Guy had no business being free. Well my friend was hammered late at night walking with a girl he just met and this nut walks up to him and punches him. He hits his head on concrete and is DOA. My friend could handle himself but he was too intoxicated to even react. When someone is murdered or raped or experiences a situation like you did that ought never happen it is as though we have a de facto de fund the police.

[TheEncogitationer]

Belle Rose:

I meant to add also to select a Paychological Counselor who is LGBTQ friendly.

You don’t the added trauma of dealing with a trusted professional who is a quack who doesn’t think you should even exist without whatever weird “therapy” they think you need to change your orientation.

Again, keep us informed and I wish you the best.

[TheEncogitationer]

Jake:

After suviving that Belle Rose you can handle bout anything.

I have free climbed a mountain and gotten myself in real trouble. Could have died. Should have called for help. Risked it and survived. No third man accompanied me. However i had so much adrenaline that i literally did not feel cuts that were bleeding and had so much exuberance and energy that i went down the mountain and back up. Also screamed in triumph at surviving.

I am enthused that you survived that experience with efficacy and vigor! But adrenaline is only good to further survival. Obliviousness to injury is not good, as it can lead to infection and further injury or amputation.

Both physiological and psychological First Aid would have been helpful in your situation and would be helpful now with Bella Rose’s situation, so an impartial and trained observer assures that everything is healing and/or well and refers further help if needed.

Psychological First Aid–Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychological_first_aid

[jakelafort]

Enco,

I am not sure your advice in this matter is spot on. “Obliviousness to injury is not good, as it can lead to infection and further injury or amputation.”

Had i been not 100 percent focused on surviving as opposed to a slew of superficial cuts i would not be here to enjoy Palestinianism and Trumpian Glorification.

[TheEncogitationer]

Jake:

Enco,

I am not sure your advice in this matter is spot on. “Obliviousness to injury is not good, as it can lead to infection and further injury or amputation.”

Had i been not 100 percent focused on surviving as opposed to a slew of superficial cuts i would not be here to enjoy Palestinianism and Trumpian Glorification.

Well, naturally, in a situation where you are struggling for life either against a force of nature or against other humans, fight or flight comes first.

But what I’m saying is once you are out of danger, then you take inventory of yourself and everyone with you. You verify your own and everyone’s presence, vital signs, consciousness, health, and resources. If anything is wrong, you set it right, which is where Physiological and Psychological First Aid comes into play, as well as improvisation of resources.

The best thing you can do against ideologies anathema to Life, Liberty, and Pursuit of Happiness is to live out of spite against your enemies. Make your life your act of resistance.

I’ve been like yourself regarding injuries in the past. I once bragged to others about my healing prowess. I told them I must have mutant healing ability like Wolverine in The X-Men of the Marvel Comics Universe.

I even walked around on a broken plantar fasciatis that stopped hurting after 6 weeks. I had this fracture for like 18 years and it had fortunately healed itself all without my knowing it until my Podiatrist X-Ray-ed my foot when I broke a toe.

Once I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, 11 years ago, however, I had to be more circumspect about injuries. There’s nothing wrong acknowledging one’s limits. It’s how we learn to work around them and perhaps one day overcome them completely. Meanwhile, my prescription of Metformin has worked well for me and I’m still holding on for a steel-plated or a regenerating pancreas.

[jakelafort]

Enco,

I kinda knew what ya meant.

I give no quarter to age. It is good to test your limits physically albeit risky at times. I have undoubtedly taken stupid risks. Too many chances taken and the odds catch up with ya. I half expect Alex Honnold to be in the news having tragically fallen to his death. But we get one body and to let it atrophy is a crime against yourself.

I am a pretty good healer but having sliced my finger legit so that blood was spewing and flesh hangning i am waiting for a full recovery after a few weeks. I know should have gone for stitches. I have also had some fun with plantar fasciitis. Every step hurts. Did not stop me from hiking. Don’t recall how long it took to heal. Heels heal apparently. You got a bum wrap with diabetes. Great chance that med technology with ameliorate or fix it. My guess anyways.

[TheEncogitationer]

Jake:

Staying active is great and taking risks are unavoidable in life. But the rational act with thought and take the calculated risk, so they can live to do it all again. A backup chute and plan when things fall apart is always a must.

I hope your finger heals well. That sounds awful and painful just to imagine it.

There is hope for both of our afflictions as long as we can get past the roadkill bump created by MAHA and the larger anti-Science culture.

[Simon Paynton]

Trying to post again:

Here’s a BBC Radio 4 programme that was on yesterday, on the subject.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0032f9

[Simon Paynton]

mp3:  https://orangebud.co.uk/BBC_Radio_4_Third_Man_Syndrome_2026-10-04.mp3

Left-click – play.  Right-click – download.

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