Decision-Under-Stress Protocol
One page. Fill in before acting on a consequential decision made while emotionally activated.
Not For
Genuine emergencies, medical/legal/financial decisions requiring qualified advice, or any situation involving personal safety. If there is immediate danger, contact local emergency services.
Step 1: Reversible / Irreversible Check
| Type | Default rule |
|---|---|
| Reversible | Use a proportionate review; check effects on other people |
| Costly to reverse | Verify the real deadline and use the pre-committed pause below |
| Irreversible or safety-relevant | Do not decide alone under stress — bring in a named second person first |
This decision is: ☐ Reversible ☐ Costly to reverse ☐ Irreversible
Step 2: Evidence Ledger
What I actually know (facts, with a source for each):
What I am assuming (guesses about intent, predictions, “probably”/“they must”):
For each assumption above: what would confirm it? What would contradict it? Do I currently have that evidence?
| Assumption | Would confirm | Would contradict | Have the evidence now? |
|---|---|---|---|
Step 3: Delay Rule
- Reversible: no universal mandatory delay; choose a proportionate check.
- Costly to reverse: choose a pause that respects the real deadline and permits a second review of the ledger. This sheet does not prescribe a universal 24-hour minimum.
- Irreversible / safety-relevant: no unilateral action under stress.
Delay applied: ______ hours. Ledger revisited on: ______
Step 4: Named Human Reviewer
Decided in advance, not chosen in the moment:
- Reviewer name:
- What I will show them: the evidence ledger, not just the feeling
- Their job: to say “I think you’re about to make a mistake” and have me actually listen
Before Acting, Confirm
- Reversibility classified
- Evidence and assumptions separated
- Real deadline verified and proportionate pause applied
- Reviewer has seen the ledger
- For medical/legal/financial stakes: a qualified professional has been consulted, not just this sheet