As I sat in my office, my heart began to race, and the room felt like it was spinning. But all my co-worker had said was a simple, “Hey” as she walked into the room.

Why did that trigger such a response in me?

I had been living with trauma for a while, and life felt like it was slipping through my fingers as everything I once knew had turned upside down. My friend simply wanted to offer an invitation to dinner, which should have brought joy and thoughts of delicious food, but instead, it filled me with panic. My trauma-developed instinct was to respond by asking, “Oh no, what’s wrong?” even in the simplest of interactions.

It’s important to note my friend wasn’t to blame for this. I didn’t react this way because of anything she had done. My conditioned response was a product of circumstances beyond my control. Trauma had rewired my sense of stability, and everything felt precarious.  

Feeling silly about my reaction, I turned to Google for answers.

What is “Survival Mode”?

I learned my nervous system was stuck in “fight, flight, or freeze” mode. This state occurs when the brain releases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, preparing the body to confront perceived danger.

Here are the common symptoms of survival mode:

1. Body Tension: Muscles tighten, often resulting in headaches or aches throughout the body.
2. Racing Thoughts: Your mind goes into overdrive, constantly scanning for threats, even when nonexistent.
3. Hypervigilance: You remain on high alert, feeling jumpy or easily startled—like when my friend casually said, “Hey.”
4. Fatigue: Being in this heightened state can drain your energy.

I realized I currently could check all of those boxes. My body had begun to stay on edge, never fully relaxing. My normal interactions, even in casual conversations, triggered anxiety.

I then Googled, “What can I do to fix this?” It offered helpful suggestions, such as taking walks, practicing breathing exercises, and journaling. All of these suggestions were beneficial. 

However, I realized I needed Truth to counter the lies that fear was feeding me. I needed to be reminded where my help and security comes from. 

Finding Truth in the Lies of Fear

Maybe you can relate to my experience or know someone struggling with similar feelings. Here are Biblical Truths I chose to embrace instead of succumbing to fear. Remember, this is an ongoing process. You can’t just read these once and expect them to stick. We can quickly lose sight of the Truth in the midst of hard circumstances, so reviewing these often will help instill them into your fearful heart.

Verses for Understanding Survival Mode and Embracing Truth

1. 2 Timothy 1:7
   “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
   • This verse reminds us that fear is not from God; instead, He empowers us with love and soundness of mind.
2. Isaiah 41:10
   “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
   • A powerful reassurance that God is always with us, providing strength in times of fear.
3. Philippians 4:6-7
   “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
   • Encourages us to bring our anxieties to God and receive His peace.
4. Psalm 34:4
   “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.”
   • A reminder of God’s faithfulness in delivering us from fear when we seek Him.
5. Matthew 6:34
   “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
   • This verse encourages us to focus on the present rather than being consumed by future anxieties.
6. John 14:27
   “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
   • Jesus offers His peace, distinct from worldly peace, as a comfort in our troubled hearts.
7. Psalm 94:19
   “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.”
   • God’s comfort can turn our anxiety into joy.
8. Isaiah 26:3
   “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you.”
   • A promise of peace for those who trust in God.
9. Romans 8:15
   “The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.”
   • We are not to live in fear but as beloved children of God.
10. 1 Peter 5:7
    “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
    • An invitation to relinquish our worries to God, knowing He cares for us deeply.

Reflection and Application

As you read and meditate on these verses, reflect on practical ways to infuse your daily life with these Truths—perhaps by creating verse cards or setting digital reminders to counter the lies of fear. Surrounding yourself with God’s Word can gradually transform your mindset from survival mode to one of peace and trust in Him.

If these specific verses don’t speak to your situation, don’t hesitate to seek out others. Spend time in prayer, reading, and exploring Scripture. The reassurance of the security we find in God has been provided within the pages of His Word and can bring abundant comfort to trauma-infused minds. 

(Our prayer team prays for each person who reads these blogs. If you have a specific prayer request or want to explore more healing truth, please contact us at sanctuaryintrauma.org/care-ministries.)