Are You In Survival Mode?

Survival.

What is it? What does it mean?

According to the Webster dictionary, survival is defined as:

a: the act or fact of living or continuing longer than another person or thing

b: the continuation of life or existence

Survival mode is one of those innate mechanisms that come standard in every human, and it's undeniably necessary. It's the automatic response that kicks in when we perceive a threat to our well-being. Picture the moment when you were chased by a dog. You didn't stop to ponder your actions; your body instinctively went into overdrive, propelling you to run faster than you thought possible. That's survival mode in action.

In a life-threatening situation, our bodies have three primary responses: Flight, Fight, or Freeze. We either run away, defend ourselves, or play dead or hide. These mechanisms are crucial for keeping us safe and alive. However, the problem arises when we get stuck in survival mode for prolonged periods.

Our bodies and minds weren't designed to operate in survival mode indefinitely. It's meant to be a temporary state to ensure our survival in times of danger, not a default setting for daily life.

Many factors can contribute to getting stuck in survival mode, including recurring traumas, unresolved emotions, prolonged stress, grief, or burnout. Recognizing when we're stuck in survival mode is crucial. It often manifests as repeating patterns or finding ourselves in the same types of situations repeatedly.

Here are some indicators that you might be operating in survival mode:

- Repeating patterns or behaviors

- Chronic stress or anxiety

- Difficulty in forming or maintaining relationships

- Feeling constantly overwhelmed or on edge

- Trouble sleeping or experiencing frequent nightmares

- Persistent feelings of anger, fear, or sadness

Recognizing these signs is the first step towards addressing survival mode and beginning the healing journey. It's essential to prioritize our well-being and take proactive steps to move from survival to thriving.

I've personally experienced the challenges of being stuck in survival mode and have developed tools to help navigate through it:

1. Prayer & Meditation: Connecting with your higher power and practicing mindfulness can help ground you and cultivate a sense of peace.

2. Self-Care: Prioritize taking care of yourself daily, not just when things become overwhelming.

3. Boundaries: Establish and enforce boundaries to protect your mental and emotional well-being.

4. Embrace Change: Recognize that change is inevitable and embrace it as an opportunity for growth.

5. Cultivate Optimism: Adopting a positive mindset can shift your perspective and empower you to overcome challenges.

These tools may seem simple, but they're incredibly powerful when consistently applied. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Life Coach, I understand the importance of having support on the healing journey. Whether you're just starting or already on your path to healing, I'm here to help you transition from survival mode to thriving in life.

If you're ready to take the next step towards healing, there are several ways we can connect and work together.

Click here and you can schedule a time for us to chat and discuss things further.  

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Thank you for reading!

LaTeisha Williams, LCSW, CLC