PTSD: When Your Body and Mind Are Stuck in Survival Mode
By Sarah Johnson
Published: 3/6/2023 | Updated: 7/23/2024

Overcoming Chronic Stress: Finding Balance in a Chaotic World
The Silent Epidemic of Survival Mode
Have you ever felt like you are constantly on edge, with your body and mind stuck in a state of hyperarousal? Do you experience persistent fatigue, cognitive fogginess, and mood swings that seem to control your life? If so, you are not alone. Millions of people worldwide are trapped in what is known as "survival mode," a condition where the body and mind are perpetually poised for fight or flight. This state of chronic stress has become an epidemic, affecting not only our mental well-being but also our physical health and relationships.
The Brain's Response to Trauma
Traumatic events, whether real or perceived, can trigger a profound response in our brains. When we experience stress, our brain's alarm system, located in the amygdala, is activated. This alarm can essentially hijack the brain's memory and thinking centers, causing them to "crash" and leading to persistent feelings of stress that seem unstoppable. The brain shifts from a "learning mode" to a "survival mode," prioritizing self-preservation over rational thinking and emotional regulation.
The Consequences of Chronic Stress
The effects of chronic stress are far-reaching and devastating. Fatigue, cognitive disorders, and PTSD are just a few of the many consequences of living in survival mode. This state can disrupt our body's natural equilibrium, leading to hyperarousal and fear. The cognitive effects of traumatic stress include impaired concentration, memory impairment, and decreased self-esteem. Physically, chronic stress can cause fatigue, insomnia, cardiovascular strain, and a weakened immune response. Interpersonally, it can lead to relational conflict, social withdrawal, and decreased satisfaction.
Breaking the Cycle of Survival Mode
So, how can we break free from the grip of chronic stress and regain control of our lives? The answer lies in understanding the brain's response to trauma and developing strategies to reset our brain's alarm system. One such approach is the "SOS" method, which involves slowing down, orienting to core values, and self-checking. This method helps to re-engage the brain's memory and thinking centers, allowing us to shift from survival mode to learning mode.
Nutritional Support for Fatigue and Cognitive Disorders
In addition to psychological therapies, nutritional support can play a crucial role in managing fatigue and cognitive disorders. Medical Foods like Sentra AM, specifically formulated to address the altered metabolic processes associated with these conditions, can provide the necessary nutrients to restore and maintain muscle function, mental alertness, and memory. By supporting the body's nervous system, these nutritional interventions can help mitigate the effects of chronic stress.
Hope for a Balanced Life
There is hope for those trapped in survival mode. By acknowledging the consequences of chronic stress and seeking help, we can begin to heal and regain control of our lives. Through a combination of psychological therapies, nutritional support, and self-care practices, we can break the cycle of survival mode and find balance in a chaotic world.
Learn More About Scientifically Backed Solutions
If you are tired of living in survival mode and want to learn more about scientifically backed solutions, click the link below to explore effective ways to manage fatigue, cognitive disorders, and PTSD.
[Link to Sentra AM product information]: https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/6574/cdc_6574_DS1.pdf: https://store.medicalfoods.com/fatigue-and-cognitive-disorders: https://today.uconn.edu/2014/11/stuck-in-survival-mode-insights-into-turning-down-your-stress-level/: https://store.medicalfoods.com/sentra-am-for-the-dietary-management-of-fatigue-cognitive-disorders-60-capsules/: https://cgrc.org/blog/trauma-and-the-brain-signs-you-might-be-in-survival-mode/