Bravery

"Bravery is the capacity to perform properly even when scared to death."

Omar N. Bradley

The ability to be brave is readily applied to those who face opposition physically even when his or her life is threatened. Those who face emotional threats are not that easily recognizable. If questioned, they may not even relate to the word brave., as they might be investing all of their energy into mentally running away.  

A person can stand before us in the midst of crisis appearing to be exceptionally brave, but in reality, their mind might be frozen in place. Similar to being in shock, fear holds us suspended disallowing reality to fully sink in. This form of avoidance gives us time to gather our strength while we hold danger at bay.

When repeatedly faced with dysfunction, a pattern of not dealing with reality can take form. While appearing to be amazingly brave on the outside, a person may be running away to some form of refuge on the inside. Dissociation or addictions may ease the discomfort of not feeling very brave, no matter how strong the appearance.