--- title: Letting Go of Survival Mode date: 2026-07-01T00:00:00-04:00 author: Laura Prieto canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/letting-go-of-survival-mode" section: Resources --- [Donate](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/donate) [Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# Letting Go of Survival Mode Our bodies respond to chronic stress in many different ways. One of those ways is survival mode. But focusing on only our most basic needs does not allow us think, grow, or flourish. Even if survival mode protects us in some ways, in the longer term it holds us back. In this article for Therapy for Black Girls, psychologist and professor Dr. Raquel Martin explains survival mode and how to deal with it. The signs of survival mode include: - Feeling frustrated quickly by minor inconveniences - Difficulty focusing or planning for the future - Constant exhaustion - Trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep - Increased heart rate - Weakened immune system To overcome survival mode, we need to identify the sources of the stress that's causing our response. Think about when the symptoms began. Did survival mode begin in relation to a specific event? Do the feelings get stronger when we are around certain people or in certain spaces? Even if it is not possible to change the situation causing stress, we can use coping skills to make the burden easier. Activities like journaling, meditating, crafting, and walking can minimize stress and break us out of survival mode. > Most of the time people do not realize that they have entered survival mode because they have been there for so long. Survival mode is a stress response. Our body responds to stress in multiple ways to make sure that we are protected and able to make it out of the situation. However, there is a significantly different bodily response to acute stress, which is intense and short, and chronic stress which is recurring. While it is helpful for our bodies to enter survival mode when met with immediate threats, remaining in survival mode because of experiencing chronic stress causes our body to break down. [Read the full article ](https://therapyforblackgirls.com/2023/05/09/letting-go-of-survival-mode/) SOURCE: Therapy for Black Girls • AUTHOR: Raquel Martin, Ph.D., HSP • LAST UPDATED: May 9, 2023 ![Mature woman meditating with her eyes closed and her hands in prayer position. Black woman with dreadlocks practicing yoga in a studio. Happy middle-aged woman maintaining a healthy lifestyle.](data:image/png;base64,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) ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics - [ mental health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/mental-health) - [ taking care of our mental health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/taking-care-of-our-mental-health) - [stress](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/stress) - [support](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/support) - [self-care](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/self-care) ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** - We rigorously evaluate all content - We embrace a reproductive justice framework - We don’t accept ads or sell products - We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry - We counter misinformation and disinformation - We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality [read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us) Share [](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();) ##### More to Explore [ResourcesRead ## The Physical Symptoms of PTSD Trauma can lead to chronic pain and other physical conditions, sometimes years after the event. ![A woman lays on a couch with her hand on her head and her eyes closed](data:image/png;base64,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) Trauma can lead to chronic pain and other physical conditions, sometimes years after the event.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/the-physical-symptoms-of-ptsd) [ResourcesRead ## Health Risks of Loneliness and Social Isolation Loneliness and social isolation affect a significant number of older people in the United States. ![The face of an older woman with white hair and bangs. She looks pensive. She is sitting outside. She is wearing red lipstick and a blue sweatshirt.](data:image/png;base64,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) Loneliness and social isolation affect a significant number of older people in the United States.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/health-risks-of-loneliness-and-social-isolation) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Taking Care of My Mental Health by Addressing Issues SD discusses the role of communication in caring for her mental health and how her concerns have shifted as she's aged. ![Susan](data:image/png;base64,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) SD discusses the role of communication in caring for her mental health and how her concerns have shifted as she's aged.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-taking-care-of-my-mental-health-by-addressing-issues) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Staying Active for My Mental Health SD gives advice to people who struggle with staying active and discusses the relationship with her health and her work as a therapist. ![Susan](data:image/png;base64,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) SD gives advice to people who struggle with staying active and discusses the relationship with her health and her work as a therapist.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-staying-active-for-my-mental-health) [ResourcesListen ## Confronting Discrimination in Health Care: From Disrespect to Denying Treatment In this episode of Next Chapters, Mindy Fried shares an unnerving set of experiences she had with a medical practitioner. Journalist Judith Graham shares her insights on ageism in health care, and sociologist Dr. Karen Bullock draws on her seminal research and experience to discuss the impact of racism on access to health care for older Black people. ![Next chapters logo](data:image/png;base64,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) In this episode of Next Chapters, Mindy Fried shares an unnerving set of experiences she had with a medical practitioner. Journalist Judith Graham shares her insights on ageism in health care, and sociologist Dr. Karen Bullock draws on her seminal research and experience to discuss the impact of racism on access to health care for older Black people.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/confronting-discrimination-in-health-care-from-disrespect-to-denying-treatment) [ResourcesWatch ## On Microaggressions Affecting Black Women and Girls A short video created by three Black psychologists about empowering Black girls and women to recognize microaggressions ![Resist to Remain Resilient](data:image/png;base64,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) A short video created by three Black psychologists about empowering Black girls and women to recognize microaggressions](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/on-microaggressions-affecting-black-women-and-girls) [ResourcesRead ## 35 Self-Care Tips for Black Women A collection of self-care tips for Black women ![Brandy kennedy 7 P1mau71k JA unsplash scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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) A collection of self-care tips for Black women](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/35-self-care-tips-for-black-women) [ResourcesRead ## The Social Determinants of Health in Breast Cancer Care A survey of community-based, organizational, and clinical barriers to care demonstrates that life stressors impact treatment and health outcomes, something holistic practitioners have known for a very long time. ![African American mother covering face while sitting by unpaid bills, children playing behind her at home.](data:image/png;base64,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) A survey of community-based, organizational, and clinical barriers to care demonstrates that life stressors impact treatment and health outcomes, something holistic practitioners have known for a very long time.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/social-determinants-breast-cancer-care)