You may not realize you’re living in survival mode until simply getting through the day starts to feel exhausting. You may still be handling your responsibilities, checking things off your to-do list and keeping up with everyday life, yet constantly feel stressed, drained or on edge. Over time, that feeling can become so familiar that you begin to accept it as normal.
Recognizing the signs is an important first step toward making a change. Irritability, restlessness, difficulty relaxing and feeling overwhelmed by small problems can all signal that you’re struggling to cope with ongoing stress. Once you recognize what’s happening, you can begin taking practical steps to regain a greater sense of balance and well-being.
Here are six signs you may be living in survival mode—and some ways to begin breaking free.
1. You’re Constantly on Edge
How are you feeling today? Do you feel so on edge that you could jump at the slightest sound? If so, you are not alone. Constantly feeling on edge is a sign that you are living in survival mode.
Now that you know you are living in survival mode, you will be able to break free. When you notice you are constantly on edge, take a deep breath and go to the Lord in prayer. Talk with Him about how you are feeling and how you need His peace.
The Bible promises us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7). Give your worries over to Him, and watch Him help you break free from survival mode.
2. You Get Upset Over Little Things
Your child just spilled a cup of milk on the new carpet. Rather than being calm, cool, and collected, you had a complete breakdown. This is probably because you are in survival mode. When you are in survival mode, you are not able to respond the way you want; instead, you respond in drastic ways.
When you notice this happening, remove yourself from the situation. As mentioned, this is a great time to talk with the Lord in prayer. It is okay to give yourself a 10-20 minute breather. Go outside, go for a walk, or lie on your bed for a little bit. Once you have calmed down, you will be able to respond to the situation in a way that honors God.
Survival mode can be embedded into you, especially if you are chronically experiencing high levels of stress; however, practicing calmness, peace, and serenity can drastically change your life. It is more than okay to step away and regather your thoughts. Responding right away might inflict lasting wounds on the hearts of those you love.
3. You Feel Chronically Depressed
Being in survival mode will make you feel chronically depressed. This is because you feel like there is no reason to live. What is the point of facing another day when every day is full of pain and agony?
During times such as these, it is beneficial to study the Word. Focus on the Psalms; they are the personal writings, songs, and prayers of David, Moses, Solomon, the Sons of Korah, and other believers to the Lord. You may find that you relate to the depth and intensity of their thoughts. Ponder these words from the Sons of Korah, “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God” (Psalm 42:11).
4. You Feel Hopeless
Speaking of hope, you may be struggling with a lack of hope in your daily life. Rather than feeling hopeful in God, you feel apathetic. This is not a reflection of your faith, but rather of the survival mode you are enduring. Don't continue down the road of hopelessness; you can turn to God and experience His indescribable hope.
David tells us, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4). Even in your darkest moments, you can find God. He will fill you with hope, determination, and steadfast faith.
5. You Are Running on Autopilot
Survival mode will make you feel like you are running on autopilot. Maybe you have noticed that you are completing tasks mindlessly, only finishing them halfway through, or making careless errors. This is common when you are running on autopilot. The good news is that you don't have to remain on autopilot; you can take steps to break free.
Breaking free will require motivation and determination. Every time you are tempted to stay on autopilot, you must challenge yourself to be mindful. Instead of driving around doing errands mindlessly, pay attention to the street signs, the color of the sky, or the falling rain on the windshield.
In the same way, be mindful of the warm air as you are walking to work, the weight of your bag on your arm, or the wind blowing across your face. Mindfulness will help you slow down and break free from survival mode. Instead of existing, you will be living.
6. You Feel Like Giving Up
Giving up is very tempting, especially if you feel like you have hit the end of the line. It is okay to give up things that are sacrificing your mental and physical well-being, but you never need to give up just because it is the easy thing to do. Always giving up will eradicate your endurance.
Challenge yourself to turn to God when you feel like giving up. Remind yourself of all the things He has done for you. Out of His great love, He sent His Son to die for your sins (John 3:16-17). Since God has done much for you, you can stay strong for Him.
Recognizing the signs of survival mode is an important first step toward making a change. If you constantly feel on edge, overwhelmed, hopeless or like you’re simply running on autopilot, don’t ignore what you’re experiencing. Give yourself permission to slow down, reach out for support and take small steps toward feeling more balanced and in control of your life.
