Trauma can Shift Your Perception

Trauma can shift your perception of the world changes to survial mode, where every situation seems heightened and urgent. The familiar world becomes a landscape filled with potential threats, and your mind is constantly on alert, seeking to protect you from harm. This shift in perception can be exhausting, as you're always bracing for impact, even when there's no immediate danger.

In survival mode, the smallest inconveniences can feel like monumental challenges, and it becomes difficult to distinguish between real threats and imagined ones. Your decisions may be driven by fear rather than rational thought, leading to a cycle of stress and anxiety. It’s as if you're navigating through life with a constant storm overhead, making it hard to see the silver linings or experience moments of peace.

• You perceive threats rather than opportunities.

• You may conceal your emotions to shield them from others.

• You present a filtered version of yourself, withholding your true self out of fear of rejection.

• You might prioritize safety above all else because it feels predictable and gives you a sense of control.

• Your focus tends to be on evading pain.

Understanding this shift is crucial for healing. By recognizing that this heightened state is a response to past trauma, you can begin to work on grounding yourself in the present moment. Techniques such as mindfulness, therapy, and deep breathing exercises can help you gradually transition out of survival mode. These practices allow you to train your mind to recognize safety, even in situations that once triggered anxiety.

Remember that healing is a process. Be patient and gentle with yourself. Each small step you take towards reclaiming your sense of peace is a win in itself. Over time, you'll find that the world starts to feel less threatening, and you can begin to re-engage with life, not just as a survivor, but as someone who thrives despite past adversities.