Survival Instincts

You’ve probably heard the phrase “fight, flight, or freeze.” It’s our body’s natural reaction to danger, a built-in survival system designed to keep us safe.

When we sense a threat, our body springs into action. Adrenaline and cortisol surge through our system, our heart starts to race, our palms might get sweaty, and sometimes our head feels light or dizzy.

In that moment, our central nervous system hits the gas pedal, preparing us to respond. It’s incredible when you think about it, our body automatically works to protect us.

But here’s the thing: the “dangers” our ancestors faced were very different from the ones we experience today. Long ago, survival meant staying alert for predators, like avoiding a jaguar with big teeth! In our modern world, the “threats” often look like social rejection, fear of losing a job, or the worry that we’ve disappointed someone we care about.

Even though these modern stressors aren’t life-threatening, our body can still react as if they are. Everyone’s nervous system responds differently depending on how the brain perceives danger.

Luckily, our body also has a built-in brake system, our parasympathetic nervous system (part of the peripheral nervous system). This system helps calm us down once the danger has passed. It sends signals to let us know that we’re safe again, that we can tolerate the stress, and that we have the ability to handle the situation in front of us.

However, for people who experience anxiety or OCD, this “brake” system can sometimes glitch. The brain might keep sending danger signals even when the situation isn’t truly threatening. It can feel like your body doesn’t know how to slow down or turn off the alarm. This can be frustrating, exhausting, and discouraging. Especially when you know logically that you’re safe, but your body doesn’t seem to get the message.

When this happens, it’s important to practice patience and self-compassion. Our bodies aren’t broken…they’re trying to protect us, even if they’re just a little overprotective. With time and the right therapeutic tools, we can help retrain our brains and bodies to recognize what’s actually dangerous and what’s simply uncomfortable.

So next time you notice your heart racing or your body tensing up, try to take a moment and remind yourself: “My body is doing its job, it thinks I’m in danger.” Then, gently remind it, “But I’m safe right now.”

Learning to work with our body, instead of against it, is a powerful step toward healing.