5 Signs You're In A Constant State Of 'Fight Or Flight'

aluxum via Getty Images Experts explain how stress can affect our emotions, memory, sleep and relationships. “Chronic exposure, or repeated trauma and continued exposure to danger, places individuals in a chronic state of trauma severely compromises their recovery,” Dr. Priscilla Dass-Brailsford, a professor at Georgetown University’s department of psychiatry, told HuffPost. “Physical effects, or injuries attained from traumatic experiences, become constant reminders may also impede recovery.” You’re always tired, but can’t rest In a 2023 survey conducted by the Sleep Foundation, 54% of participants cited stress and anxiety as the top reasons they had trouble sleeping or couldn’t fall asleep at all. “The more intense and prolonged the trauma, the more damaging its effects.” You’re avoiding or engaging in situations that might cause stress If you’re stuck in survival mode, you may try to keep away from circumstances that might cause stress, including people, places and situations that can prompt certain emotions and memories. “It’s actually a survival response to avoid people, places, and experiences that are reminiscent of a previous traumatic experience,” Saunders said.