Many of us live off survival mode. We feel like something will take place and we have to be ready at all times. We question every move, every thought, action, list goes on. We live in a state of flight or fight. Stress, worry, anxiety consume our thoughts. When you live in survival mode, you live in a “I got this, I don’t need anyone to help me” mode. I can do this by myself!
Survival mode is another term for continuous, unresolved stress, also known as chronic stress. All human beings have experienced stress at one point or another, but in survival mode, stress has been prolonged to a degree where a person feels unable to relax. Parts of the brain associated with fear are overactive. Survival mode is based on stress and FEAR.
People who are in survival mode have no separation between themselves and their thoughts and feelings which means that they react without being able to control themselves. They can experience things like snapping at people, blaming others or being easily brought to tears.
How do you know you are living in survival mode?
1. You may feel threatened by criticism or feedback, or you may be quick to anger.
2. You may have trouble enjoying downtime or resting properly.
3. You may have trouble concentrating on tasks or you may keep forgetting things.
4. Even small decisions may feel overwhelming.
5. Tasks and activities that used to excite you may now feel draining or pointless.
6. You may be constantly stressed, without any relief.
7. You may react without being able to control yourself, such as snapping at people or blaming others.
8. You may have impaired memory.
9. You may feel like the deadline is now or that your back is up against the wall.
Find a group of people you can trust or someone you can allow yourself to, open up to. Often times many are in this mode because they live in secrecy. Your secrecy has tuned into Pride, not wanting anyone’s help, not wanting to be set free. It’s time to let go and find your people. Find a safe place to heal. Jesus offers freedom, He offers deliverance. It’s time. You don’t have to do this alone.
