It can be incredibly difficult to move past trauma and survival mode because of the deep emotional pain, exhaustion, and fear that comes with it. It can feel like an almost impossible challenge to find the strength and stamina to break free from the gripping hold of trauma. Moving forward is possible, but it requires patience, determination, and a willingness to take one small step at a time. It is about learning to embrace the present and focus on creating a better future for oneself instead of worrying about the past.
Promises Behavioral Health can help. Our trauma and PTSD treatment programs can give you the tools to move beyond your trauma, improve your mental health, and regain control of your life. Call 844.875.5609 today to learn how we could help you move forward from PTSD and survival mode.
Understanding PTSD and Survival Mode
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by a traumatic event. It can cause many physical and emotional symptoms that can last for months or even years after the event. These symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, uncontrollable thoughts about the trauma, and avoidance of people and places that remind them of the event. People with PTSD may also have difficulty sleeping, concentrating, and managing their emotions. Treatment for PTSD typically involves a combination of individual therapy, group therapy, and medications. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one form of treatment that can be used to help people process their trauma and recognize patterns of thinking or behavior that can be changed in order to reduce the symptoms. In addition, medication such as antidepressants and antipsychotics may also be prescribed to help with anxiety, depression, and sleeping problems associated with PTSD.
Survival mode is a state of heightened awareness and stress that occurs when faced with a traumatic or dangerous situation. It is characterized by feelings of fear, anxiety, and hypervigilance – which can lead to impulsive decisions and intense physical reactions such as increased heart rate and higher levels of adrenaline. In survival mode, the brain shifts its focus to the present moment, creating an environment in which one is constantly on guard, ready to respond quickly and without considering all possible outcomes. This state of being can be extremely difficult to manage and often leads to a wide variety of mental health issues – including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In order to break out of survival mode, it is important to learn healthy coping mechanisms and develop a sense of safety to deal with the trauma. This can include engaging in self-care activities, practicing mindfulness techniques, or seeking professional help and PTSD treatment from a mental health provider.
How to Move Beyond Survival Mode
If you have experienced something traumatic and you think you have dealt with it emotionally, ask yourself a few questions. Are you reacting to everyday situations with fear? Are you always worried about what might happen next? Do triggers often remind you of your traumatic experience? Do you isolate yourself from others to avoid being hurt? If you answer yes to these, you may be at least partially in survival mode. You are not embracing life openly and are living in fear and doubt, defensive about what might come your way.
When someone is stuck in survival mode, they might not be able to see a way out of it. Some ways to get out of survival mode include:
- Surround yourself with people – Your instincts will be to stay away from people. They can hurt you, after all. Isolation will only make your situation worse. Connect with people you trust and reach out to make new friends.
- Consider joining a support group for people who have experienced similar trauma. Social connection is a positive way to make a change in your life.
- Manage your physical health – Trauma and survival mode both take a toll on your physical health. To feel better, take care of your body. Get plenty of sleep every night. Exercise every day. Eat well and avoid drugs and alcohol. Manage stress with meditation, yoga, or other relaxation techniques.
- Create a routine – Trauma and guarding against it makes you feel out of control. Ground yourself with a daily routine. When you have goals to accomplish, make lists and tackle them one small, manageable piece at a time. Find time for enjoyable activities like reading, going to the movies, cooking, or doing whatever you enjoy.
- Get professional help – If you feel unhappy, scared, and unable to get over your traumatic experience, no matter how hard you try, a trauma therapist can help you. Talk to your doctor for advice and a good referral.
Needing professional help to deal with the symptoms of your trauma is not a sign of weakness. It means you are ready to move forward and improve the quality of your life and mental health, which is actually quite brave in the face of PTSD and trauma.
How Could Trauma Treatment Help PTSD and Survival Mode?
Trauma and PTSD treatment can offer a number of benefits to those who have experienced trauma that impacted their mental health and quality of life. For example, it can:
- Help a person process their experiences in a healthy way
- Reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression associated with the traumatic event
- Improve self-esteem and confidence
- Give people tools to cope better with stress in the future
- Enable them to develop more positive relationships with others
- Provide support from family members or friends who may also be affected by the trauma
- Allow individuals to reclaim control over their lives by developing healthier coping mechanisms
Treatment for trauma and PTSD does not erase what has happened, but it can help individuals find ways to move forward and live meaningful lives despite their experiences. With the right kind of help, people can learn to manage difficult emotions, reconnect with their feelings, and develop more positive relationships with themselves and others. By taking small steps towards healing, individuals can begin to reclaim their lives and move forward in a healthier way.
Trauma treatment is an essential step in the journey toward recovery from trauma or PTSD. It allows individuals to gain insight into what happened, process the experience in a healthy manner, reclaim control over their emotions, and eventually create a new life for themselves post-trauma. Through therapy and other forms of treatment, such as medication or lifestyle changes, those struggling with traumatic events can find relief from symptoms of depression and anxiety and regain a sense of hope for the future.
Find Help Moving Beyond Survival Mode at Promises Behavioral Health
There is hope for individuals who feel trapped and stuck in survival mode. Trauma treatment at Promises Behavioral Health can help you break free from the cycle of stress, fear, and negative thoughts that come from living in survival mode. With the help of trained professionals and evidence-based therapies, you can learn to cope with trauma and build a life of hope and positivity. Call 844.875.5609 or fill out our online contact form to learn more today.