# Bear Markets 101: Why Crashes Aren't the End of the World

When major indexes drop 20%+ for an extended period, that's officially a bear market. Sounds scary? It's actually just part of the game.

**The facts:**
- Average bear market lasts ~10 months (trending shorter lately)
- They hit roughly every 3.5 years
- 9 out of 12 bear markets since 1948 were followed by recessions
- COVID crash was fastest on record: -20% in just 19 days

**What triggers them?** Investor pessimism → mass selloffs → economic slowdown. But here's the kicker: 2022 had a brutal bear market while job market stayed strong and GDP kept growing.

**The golden rules if you're caught in one:**

1. **Don't panic sell** — locking in losses is permanent. Every historical bear market recovered.

2. **Don't time the market** — pros can't do it consistently, neither can you.

3. **Diversify** — different sectors get hit differently. One ETF or index fund spreads the pain.

4. **Dollar cost average** — keep buying fixed amounts on schedule. You'll grab cheap shares during the dip.

Bottom line: The market always comes back. Your job is staying invested when it does.