Introduction
Have you ever experienced just making it through your day instead of living? Or feeling like you are surviving rather than thriving? If so, you may be in survival mode. Survival mode is a state of mind that focuses your brain on trying to get through complications, not about living your life.
Let’s dive into 7 signs you are in survival mode, the psychology behind them, some fascinating information, and quotes that may resonate with you. Discover the 7 signs of survival mode and how it impacts your mind, body, and daily choices—learn to recognize and heal today.
Read more: 10 Things Emotionally Smart People Avoid
You’re Always Tired, Regardless of the Rest:
You are tired, no matter how much rest you get. When you wake up, you are already exhausted and cannot concentrate.
Psychological reason:
When we are in survival mode, our brain is in a constant state of vigilance. Our nervous system is stuck in a “high alert” system and is consuming energy while we are resting.
Fun fact: The American Psychological Association says one of the many complaints from a person suffering chronic stress is stress-related fatigue.
“You will never heal in the same environment you became sick in.” – Unknown.
Too Numb or Emotionless:
When something detrimental or beneficial happens in your life, you experience very little to no feeling in your response. You might just say “it is what it is,” and move on without an emotional response.
Psychological Reason: This would be classified as emotional shutdown. Your brain is attempting to shield you from having too many feelings, while your mind is already too inundated.
Fun Fact: After traumatic experiences, people tend to develop compounding emotional numbness as a defense mechanism.
“Sometimes feeling nothing is worse than feeling pain.” Unknown
You Are Always Rushed:
You are quick to eat, quick to talk, quick to think; as if you are running from something and have no time, however, you may not have to rush.
Psychological reason: When your brain is in survival mode, it perceives danger and sends a signal to go, go, and go; even when there is no danger.
Interesting statistic: A study at the University of London revealed that those people with high cortisol (stress hormone) also engaged in rushed behaviors 30% more than those with low cortisol.
Saying: “If you don’t slow down, life will slow you down.” Old saying
You have a Hard Time Making Decisions:
Even making simple decisions suddenly becomes powerful decisions: what are you going to eat, what are you going to wear, who are you going to talk to?
Psychological reason: Your brain can’t process well when you are in survival mode. Your brain can only recognize what is safe or unsafe and shuts off higher-order thinking, planning, and making decisions.
Interesting fact: Decision fatigue is a real thing. When you are overwhelmed in your mind, nothing gets done, because your brain wants to avoid all decisions.
Quote: “Too many decisions, not enough energy.” – Burnout person.
You’re Not Enjoying Activities You Once Loved:
The music you love just doesn’t sound good. Hanging out with people just feels like a chore. Hobbies don’t even make you happy anymore.
Psychological explanation: The brain’s reward systems will shut down if you are experiencing chronic stress. Dopamine (the feel-good chemical) has also dropped.
Stat: A 2022 study found that 40% of people experiencing long-term stress reported an inability to take pleasure from enjoying activities.
Quote: “Survival mode doesn’t leave room for joy – it only leaves room for endurance.” – Psychology Today
You Feel Disconnected from People;
You shrink from calls, you ignore texts, and you feel like no one relates to you.
Psychological explanation:
Your mind may be self-isolating as a method of “staying safe.” Your mind knows, people = pressure.
Interesting perspective: Humans are social beings, but the brain’s survival mode makes us think isolation is safer.
Quote: “Sometimes the loudest cry for help is silence.” – Unknown.
You’re Simply Going through the Motions:
You get up, you work, you come home, and you sleep, and repeat. Every day is the same, and you ask yourself, “What’s the point?”
Psychological reason: Chronic stress reprograms the brain to disengage from the present to focus on just getting through the day.
Fact: “Survival mode” is only meant to be short-term, while it becomes incredibly detrimental when lifestyle becomes a direct barrier to personal development and happiness.
Quote: “Existing is not living.” – Lailah Gifty Akita.
Case Study: Life at Auto-Pilot
Fatima, a 29-year-old teacher, did not realize she was in survival mode. She was working overtime every week, was no longer enjoying reading or doing other hobbies she once enjoyed, was tired all of the time, and thought that this was just what being an adult was. However, one day, Fatima fainted at school and was brought to the hospital due to feeling completely exhausted. After meeting their therapist, they began to identify how Fatima’s emotional and mental exhaustion led her to burnout. Her brain had simply been at “survive” for years.
Through the support of her therapist, Fatima was able to learn the importance of pausing, setting boundaries, and implementing joy into her day-to-day life again. Fatima is currently teaching full-time and enjoys painting again.
Ways to Escape Survival Mode:
Identify the indicators (such as the ones above).
Talk with someone – identify a friend, counselor, or therapist.
In addition, incorporate soothing routines like journaling, slowing down your walks, or slowing down your breathing.
Eat, sleep, and hydrate!
Set small goals and celebrate those goals.
Last Thoughts: You Are Worth More Than Survival:
Survival mode can serve us when we are in imminent danger, but remaining in that state for too long can damage our bodies, our relationships, and deny the existence of dreams. The best news is that we can go from surviving → thriving, by being mindful of the signs and taking just a baby step in taking care of our mental and physical wellbeing.
Mind to Quote:
“You were not born to just pay bills and die. You were born to live, feel, and grow.”
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