Life can sometimes throw us into survival mode, where we’re just managing to get through each day.

This isn’t about thriving, but merely surviving. This mode of living often manifests in certain behaviors.

People in survival mode typically display 8 specific behaviors that serve as tell-tale signs of their current state. Understanding these signs can give us insight into what they’re going through, and perhaps even help us support them better.

Let’s delve into these behaviors and shed some light on what survival mode really looks like.

1) Constant worry and anxiety

When someone is just getting by each day, living in survival mode, a common behavior is the presence of constant worry and anxiety.

Survival mode often stems from circumstances that are uncertain and unstable. It could be financial instability, a volatile home environment, or any number of factors that keep a person on edge.

The brain responds to this instability by keeping us in a heightened state of alertness. This is where the constant worry and anxiety come in. It’s our brain’s way of trying to keep us safe by preparing for potential threats.

Think about it like your brain’s very own security system, always on the lookout for danger.

But while this vigilance can be helpful in truly dangerous situations, it can become draining and detrimental when it’s turned on all the time.

So if you notice someone who always seems worried or anxious, they might just be living in survival mode. Understanding this behavior can help us empathize with their situation and perhaps provide them with the support they need.

2) Neglect of self-care

When one is in survival mode, another behavior that’s often displayed is the neglect of self-care.

It’s something I’ve personally experienced during some of the toughest times in my life. When you’re consumed by just trying to get through the day, things like eating balanced meals, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, or taking time out for relaxation can easily fall by the wayside.

I remember during a particularly tough period, I’d often forget meals or eat whatever was easiest (and usually not the healthiest), simply because I had so many other things on my mind. I was always tired but found it hard to get a good night’s sleep because of the constant worrying.

Self-care can seem like a luxury when you’re just trying to survive. But in reality, it’s a necessity that helps us function better and cope with stress more effectively.

So when you see someone neglecting their self-care, it could be a sign that they’re just trying to get by and might need some extra support.

3) Isolation and withdrawal

Often when someone is in survival mode, they tend to isolate themselves and withdraw from social activities. This isn’t because they don’t value their relationships or enjoy spending time with others. It’s more of a defense mechanism.

Human beings are social creatures. In fact, research shows that strong social connections can boost our mental health and increase our longevity. However, when we’re just trying to get through each day, socializing can sometimes feel like an extra burden rather than a source of comfort.

This withdrawal might manifest as declining invitations to social events, not returning phone calls or messages, or spending increasing amounts of time alone.

So if you notice a friend or loved one withdrawing, it could be a sign that they are in survival mode and it might be time to reach out and offer your support.

4) Hyper-focused on the present

When someone is in survival mode, they tend to be hyper-focused on the present. They’re not thinking about next week, next month, or next year. They’re thinking about how to get through today.

This is because survival mode is typically triggered by a crisis or a period of intense stress. When you’re in this state, your brain’s main concern is dealing with immediate threats and challenges.

You might notice this behavior in someone who constantly seems preoccupied or has difficulty planning for the future. They might struggle with long-term commitments or making decisions that don’t have an immediate impact.

While being present-focused can be beneficial in certain situations, when it comes from a place of survival, it can limit one’s ability to plan ahead and make strategic decisions for the future.

5) Lack of joy and enthusiasm

Living in survival mode can often strip one’s life of joy and enthusiasm. This might be one of the most heartbreaking signs to witness in someone you care about.

When you’re just trying to get by each day, survival becomes the main goal. This means that activities that used to bring joy and enthusiasm might now feel like unnecessary or even impossible tasks.

You might notice this in someone who no longer engages in their hobbies, who doesn’t seem to get excited about things they used to love, or who generally seems disinterested or detached from life.

Joy and enthusiasm are often the fuel that keeps us going, that adds color to our lives. When someone is in survival mode, their world can become monochrome, filled with challenges and devoid of pleasure.

6) Difficulty making decisions

When in survival mode, making decisions can feel like an insurmountable task. It’s something I’ve grappled with myself during tougher times.

Everything feels overwhelming. Even simple choices like what to have for dinner or which task to tackle first can seem like huge obstacles. This is because the brain is already overloaded with stress, leaving little mental energy for decision-making.

You might notice this in someone who seems indecisive, constantly second-guessing themselves, or expressing frustration over making choices.

When you’re in survival mode, your energy is focused on immediate problems, which can make it tough to clear your mind and make decisions about less pressing issues. Recognizing this behavior can help us provide support and understanding to those who are just trying to get by.

7) Physical health problems

Being in survival mode doesn’t just affect one’s mental state; it can also take a toll on physical health.

When under constant stress, our bodies produce hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. While these hormones are helpful in short bursts to deal with immediate threats, continuous exposure can lead to a range of health problems.

These can include headaches, sleep disturbances, digestive issues, and even more serious conditions like heart disease and diabetes.

So if you notice someone frequently complaining about physical ailments, especially if they’re out of the ordinary for them, it might be a sign they’re in survival mode. Recognizing this link between stress and physical health is essential in understanding and supporting those who are just getting by each day.

8) Loss of hope

Perhaps the most significant sign that someone is in survival mode is a loss of hope. When someone is just getting by day by day, the future can often seem bleak and unchangeable.

Hope is a powerful motivator. It’s what encourages us to keep going, to believe that things can get better. But when survival mode sets in, this hope can be hard to hold onto.

If you notice someone expressing feelings of despair or viewing their situation as hopeless, they could well be in survival mode. Offering an empathetic ear and reminding them that it’s okay to ask for help could make a world of difference to them.

Final thoughts: There’s always hope

In the face of survival mode, it’s crucial to remember that even the darkest clouds have silver linings.

There’s a profound resilience that human beings possess, often surfacing in our direst moments. This resilience is rooted in our innate will to survive, to adapt, and ultimately, to thrive.

The behaviors displayed by someone in survival mode are not signs of weakness, but rather indicators of their strength and determination to keep going despite their circumstances.

So if you recognize these behaviors in yourself or others, understand that it’s okay to ask for help, to take small steps towards self-care and healing. Remember, there’s always hope, and no matter how tough things get, you’re not alone.