Finally coming out of survival mode can feel strange and uncomfortable for several reasons:
Familiarity with Survival Mode: When you spend a significant amount of time in survival mode, it becomes your default state of being. Your mind and body adapt to this constant state of alertness and coping. Shifting away from it feels unfamiliar and might even be perceived as threatening because your mind is no longer operating in the way it has gotten used to.
Emotional Adjustment: During survival mode, emotions are often suppressed or numbed as a coping mechanism. When you come out of that mode, emotions might resurface, which can be overwhelming or confusing if you haven't been in touch with them for a while. Feeling vulnerable and experiencing various emotions might make you uncomfortable.
Loss of Control: In survival mode, you focus on controlling your immediate environment and dealing with the most pressing issues. When you move away from survival mode, you may have to relinquish some of that control and face uncertainty, which can be unsettling.
Fear of Relapse: If you have experienced a difficult or traumatic situation that triggered survival mode, you might fear that stepping away from it could lead to a relapse or a return to those challenging circumstances.
Guilt or Shame: Surviving through challenging times can sometimes lead to feelings of guilt, as you might question why you are doing better while others are still struggling. This can add to the discomfort of leaving survival mode.
Reintegration with "Normal" Life: Coming out of survival mode might mean returning to a more regular routine or social interactions, which can be overwhelming if you have been isolating or withdrawn during survival mode.
Identity Shift: Survival mode can become a part of your identity, and leaving it behind may lead to an identity shift that can feel disorienting.
Habituation: The habits and coping mechanisms you developed in survival mode may become ingrained, and breaking away from them can be challenging.
Post-Traumatic Stress: If your survival mode was triggered by traumatic events, the aftermath of those experiences might still affect you even after leaving survival mode.
Fear of Judgement: You might fear being judged or misunderstood by others as you transition out of survival mode and may feel the pressure to explain yourself.
It's important to remember that feeling strange and uncomfortable during this transition is normal. It is a sign that you are changing and adapting to a new phase in your life. If you find the adjustment too overwhelming, consider seeking support from friends, family, or a mental health professional who can help you navigate through this period of change and growth.