How war made me hooked on adrenaline

The constant danger in Ukraine has led many to seek out experiences that replicate a rush. To understand why, Mariana jumped off a bridge (with a bungee of course).

Editor’s Note:

This month, all our articles will be behind a paywall because only three percent of our readers are subscribed. Support our mission to tell the stories of how to resist authoritarianism.

We share intimate experiences of the war — and sometimes letting you peek a little into our own lives. This story is one of those that’s hard to talk about and a bit embarrassing to admit.

Still, we believe that honesty is what our audience truly values.

My knees tremble in fear.

I can feel my heartbeat in my throat.

Something inside me whispers that this was a bad idea.

I try not to look down. I look straight ahead as I listen to the countdown, which indicates that the time has come: I have to jump.

I jump off the bridge, which is the height of an eight-story building, and I land just inches away from the Dnipro River.

After the paywall:

• Why do some Ukrainians feel a sense of excitement when they hear explosions?

• How does high-speed go-karting help Ukrainian soldiers?

• Why do some people watch missiles during massive attacks instead of taking shelter?

• How will the growing adrenaline addiction among the population affect post-war Ukraine?

• A video of Mariana’s jump.