These signs show that you are in survival mode
Survival mode has become a way of life for many around the world. From childhood traumas to the COVID-19 pandemic, the reasons for experiencing it span from personal to societal. And the sad part is, that most of us don't even know what this mental health response means in the first place! Here's everything you should know about survival mode.
Let's understand what survival mode means
Survival mode means to do everything that keeps you safe as a response to an underlying fear or trauma. When there is uncertainty around, the mind enters into this mode and convinces one that there is a potential danger and that they need to do something real quick for self-preservation. It is another response to trauma, in addition to flight, fight, freeze, and fawn.
Sign 1: Lack of focus and attention
When survival mode becomes a way of life, you find it extremely hard to focus or concentrate as you only think of responding to your triggers. You may fail at multi-tasking and remembering important details, leading to a fall in your usual performance and speed of doing activities. Some people may even languish or experience fluctuations in their mood and energy levels constantly.
Sign 2: Everything is a reaction or overreaction for you
Have you become more reactive than proactive? Well, it's likely due to survival mode. Even the pettiest of things may irritate you until you find a solution to the potential danger. When in survival mode, grumping, snipping, and crying become more vivid and frequent than they normally are for you. Additionally, you may even become reticent or push people out of your life.
Sign 3: Frequent panic attacks or anxiety attacks
You may experience frequent episodes of panic attacks or anxiety attacks at the advent of a potential threat. Your chest may tighten up and your breathing may become shallow, inducing a feeling of lost control or absolute inactivity. Consequently, you may even feel difficulty in sleeping or calming your mind as your mind only focuses on combating the danger it sees.
Sign 4: You have unexplained physical pains and digestive issues
A person with a survival-mode lifestyle may also go through sudden and unexplained body aches regularly. Such pains may not easily subside and may occur over and over again, even without any underlying medical condition. You may also face some digestive issues regularly including bloating, gas, acidity, acid reflux, nausea, constipation, rise/fall in appetite, frequent/reduced urination, etc.
Sign 5: You get easily tired and drained
Survival modes can be a real energy drainer as your body uses its entire energy to safeguard you from the situation you are in. Even regular tasks like cleaning around the house or working on your laptop may seem exhausting. Besides physical tiredness, you may also experience mental fatigue which weakens your thinking abilities and deteriorates your quality to take the necessary actions.
