Ever heard the phrase, “Actions speak louder than words”? It’s an age-old saying that psychologists uphold to this very day.

Why is that, you ask?

Well, our body language often reveals more about our emotional state than our words ever could. It’s a subtle yet powerful form of communication, one that we often overlook or dismiss.

Now, let’s talk about survival mode.

Defined by psychologists, survival mode is a stress response—your body’s primal reaction to perceived threats. But how can you tell if someone is stuck in survival mode? It might be easier than you think.

I’m going to share with you seven body language signs that someone may be caught in this mental and emotional state, as per psychology.

Are you ready to delve deeper into the fascinating world of body language? Let’s begin.

1) Constant vigilance

Ever heard of a deer caught in the headlights? That’s a classic survival mode reaction.

In humans, this might translate to being excessively alert or constantly vigilant. This is because, when our brain perceives danger, it tells our body to stay on high alert to be ready for any potential threats.

Someone stuck in survival mode might seem overly attentive to their surroundings or hyper-aware of the people around them. It’s as if they’re always expecting something bad to happen.

This isn’t about fear—it’s about preparedness. Their body is trying to keep them safe, even if the threat isn’t real or immediate.

So, the next time you notice someone continuously scanning the room or flinching at sudden noises, remember—it could be a sign that they’re stuck in survival mode.

2) Excessive fidgeting

I’m sure we’ve all experienced fidgeting at some point—maybe during a nerve-wracking job interview or an uncomfortable social event.

For me, it was during my first public speaking event. I remember standing on that stage, my heart pounding like a drum. I was subconsciously twisting my ring around my finger, a clear sign of my nerves.

Now, imagine feeling that way all the time. For someone stuck in survival mode, their stress response is always activated. This can manifest as excessive fidgeting—an unconscious attempt to release pent-up energy or anxiety.

If you notice someone constantly tapping their foot, twirling their hair, or wringing their hands, they might be dealing with more than just temporary nerves. It could be a sign that they’re perpetually stuck in survival mode.

3) Shielding body posture

When life feels like a battlefield, it’s natural to want to build some defenses.

For someone in survival mode, this often shows up physically in their posture. They might cross their arms over their chest or hunch their shoulders—subconscious attempts to protect themselves from perceived threats.

I’ve seen it in a friend who was going through a tough divorce. He would often sit with his arms crossed tightly, as if bracing himself for an unseen blow. It wasn’t until he started therapy that he realized this was a sign of his constant state of survival mode.

So, if you notice someone frequently adopting a protective posture, it might be more than just a comfort habit. It could be their body’s unconscious way of trying to shield them from the world.

4) Rapid breathing

Ever noticed how your breathing changes when you’re stressed or scared?

This is because our brains regulate our breathing based on our emotional state. When we’re calm, our breath is slow and steady. But when we’re in survival mode, our breath becomes rapid and shallow.

This is our body’s way of preparing for action – either to fight off the threat or to run away from it.

If you often notice someone taking quick, shallow breaths, they might be stuck in survival mode. Remember, it’s not that they’re necessarily scared. Their body is simply responding to a perceived threat, whether real or imaginary.

5) Lack of eye contact

Did you know that our eyes are one of the most expressive parts of our body? They can convey a range of emotions, from joy and surprise to fear and anxiety.

When someone is in survival mode, they might avoid making eye contact. This is because direct eye contact can feel threatening or overwhelming when you’re already on high alert.

It’s their way of controlling their environment, an attempt to minimize any additional stressors. So, if you notice someone consistently avoiding your gaze, it could be a sign they’re stuck in survival mode.

6) Limited physical touch

Physical touch – a warm hug, a comforting pat on the back, a friendly handshake – these are all ways we connect with others. They make us feel seen, understood, and cared for.

However, when someone is in survival mode, they may shy away from physical contact.

This isn’t because they’re cold or distant. On the contrary, it could be that they’re simply trying to protect themselves from additional sensory input that may tip their stress levels over the edge.

Noticing someone withdrawing from hugs or other forms of physical contact, remember to be patient with them. They might be navigating through survival mode, and your understanding can make a world of difference.

7) Tense facial expression

Our faces are like billboards for our emotions. When someone is perpetually stuck in survival mode, their face might show it.

They may often look tense or worried – furrowed brows, tight lips, a rigid jaw. These are all signs that their stress response is on overdrive, preparing them to face a threat that may not even be there.

So, when you see someone with a tense facial expression, remember that it might be more than just a fleeting emotion.

It could be a sign they’re stuck in survival mode, constantly bracing for life’s next challenge.

Final thoughts

If you’ve recognized some of these body language signs in someone you know—or perhaps even in yourself—it may be an indication of being stuck in survival mode.

Recognizing these signs isn’t a verdict—it’s a starting point.

Awareness is a powerful tool. It can help us understand our own behaviors and empathize with others’. Remember, we all have our struggles, and no one chooses to be in survival mode.

Start with understanding, both for yourself and others. Recognize the signs and acknowledge the feelings behind them. Support, patience, and kindness can go a long way in helping someone navigate their way out of survival mode.

And if you’re the one in survival mode, remember that it’s okay to seek help. It’s okay to take a step back, to breathe, to take care of yourself. You’re not alone.

Let’s bring compassion into our daily lives. Let’s extend understanding not just towards others, but also towards ourselves. In doing so, we foster not just stronger relationships, but also a healthier mental and emotional state.

As we journey through life’s ups and downs together, let’s remember that our body language tells a story—a story of resilience, strength, and survival.