2020: A Year in Survival Mode

[Listen to an audio version of this blog HERE.]

In 1927, American physiologist Walter B. Cannon coined the term “fight or flight” in regard to human reactions to stress. Nearly 100 years later, that phrase has been colloquialized. We all know it, use it, and assume we know what it means. Another stress response that’s perhaps less romantic and less well known is to freeze. In the context of a predatory attack, some animals “play dead,” which seems counter-intuitive but can ward off prey. So, when a threat is perceived most of us will either fight, flight, or freeze. This is easy to say but less easy to feel. Let me explain.

In 2018, 38.1 million Americans were living in poverty. Paycheck to paycheck. Choosing which necessity is more of a necessity. It is not news that living in a state of chronic stress is debilitating. Chronic stress dysregulates and damages the body’s physiological stress response system and reduces cognitive and psychological resources. Most of us know this but do not live this. We do not feel terrified or worried constantly. We do not live with a deep, dark cloud of uncertainty hanging over us, day after day. The COVID-19 pandemic mimicked this stress, if only for a while. Some of us will live through a natural disaster like Hurricane Sally or Laura or Zeta. We will live through a tornado or wildfire or home fire. Waiting and watching and…