When you are in the public representing your team you get asked a lot of different questions. There are the common ones such as: what's the scariest place you have been to or have you ever REALLY seen a ghost in person? Every now and then you get a question that levels the playing field. I was asked " Isn't it dangerous to go ghost hunting?" I thought about it for a second and thought " Hell yes it is!!" It is dangerous on so many different levels.
First of all, you need to be educated on the field in which you endeavor. Just because you've seen every episode of your favorite paranormal reality show, that doesnt qualify you to be a ghost hunter.
You need to research the how, the why, and every possible aspect of paranormal investigations. You need to study the paranormal world itself and how it interacts with ours first.
You see, there are so many different factors involved when dealing with ghosts. Ghost hunting or paranormal investigations has become the new thing to do. Everyone with an Amazon account is now a ghost hunter. They watch all the tv shows and think "Hey, I can do that!!" and run to Amazon and buy some gear and now they too are ghost hunters. They create Facebook accounts and claim to be investigators for the past 15 or so years because of that how long they have been watching the shows.
If it were just about conquering the physical obstacles, the safety aspects and the fear factor, everyone would be a ghost hunter. But it's so much more than that, it's the paranormal or metaphysical realm it's self that is the danger. When you go out looking for the activity, even if you don't encounter it, it is there! If they do not know what they are doing they could invite something back to their home. The ghosts, spirits, entities and yes, even demons can attach themselves to you and follow you HOME! This is one of the very real dangers that these novice thrill seekers do not take into account. Most of these evil or demonic spirits like to trick you into thinking they are a child-like spirit and they have died a horrible death. This is their pathway to attach themselves to you. Once they have your trust, the hook is set. Then the long, hard and difficult road to remove them has begun.
If that were the only concern about danger, you still would be ok. It is not the only concern. Your mental well being is now about to be questioned and put to the test. Some folks can experience serious traumatic events and move forward without missed a step. While others, will collapse and crumble the first time. I know what you're thinking... Come on Roger.... is it THAT bad!!?!?! I am gonna have a mental breakdown or have PTSD?? Well, you could.. I have seen people RUN for the hills during an investigation. They seen, heard or experienced something so frightening, the ran away as fast as they could. Something that powerful can leave an impression on your mind. It can cause you to doubt your ability to continue in the field. Hell, Ive seen people walk away from ghost hunting all together just because of a whisper in their ear!
The immense fear you can experience can cause heart attacks or cause you to have a nervous breakdown. It will call into question everything you thought was possible. Why do you think some of the "victims" leave their homes, walk away from mortgages, or attempt to burn down their homes? The amount of mental stress is there! Imagine being on an investigation, be it you're a seasoned vet or a newbie in the field, and you seen this massive, full bodied apparition CHARGING AT YOU SCREAMING, just like in the movies.... IT. HAS. HAPPENED. You tell me you would NOT question everything you did that lead you to this moment? I would...
Then there is the obsessiveness aspect. Once you get a good taste of paranormal investigations or experience something so powerful you become obsessed. This is just another avenue of the mental aspect of it, it could consume you with the pursuit of evidence. Always wanting more.
In closing, I can not express to you just how many dangers there are with paranormal investigations. If you are still set on becoming a paranormal investigators or ghost hunter, may I suggest you find an ESTABLISHED team and learn from them. Anyone can go to Amazon or Walmart and buy a digital recorder or EMF meter, but learn from an established and reputable team or group. You may have to travel or pay a monthly fee, but that is to seperate the thrill seekers from those who are genuinly sincere in the pursuit of paranormal evidence.
Stay safe, and please.. do not call your self an expert in the field of paranormal research.. NONE OF US ARE we are still learing...
Be safe, Be prepared and always remember.... YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!
