Are You In A ‘Permacrisis?’ Here’s How To Tell

Collins Dictionary selected Permacrisis as the word of the year for 2022. It only denotes “An extended period of instability and insecurity.”

In the past two years, we have experienced COVID variants, mass shootings, the Ukrainian conflict, and more.

One trauma is complex enough, let alone several.

What Permacrisis Looks Like

We are wired to detect physical, emotional, or social risks. The phrase “fight or flight” is also referred to as “fawn” or “freeze.” If this response is maintained, a permacrisis may result.

In Permacrisis, your body constantly floods itself with hormones it needs to react to threats without respite. As a result, your body shows wear and tear.

You may experience high blood pressure, too little or too much sleep, fidgeting, muscle tension, brain fog, emotional numbness, weariness, and constantly scanning social media. And not enjoying relationships and activities as much as you used to.

You Can Even Find Yourself Quietly Giving

Up.

Is there ever a time when having a permacrisis becomes a problem you must deal with on purpose, even if it’s ordinarily ideal for taking a proactive approach to maintaining your mental health? Yes. If you don’t, your health and life satisfaction will deteriorate even more, possibly leading to suicide.

Can You Have A Permacrisis If Everything

In Your Life Is Perfect?

You might identify with such symptoms and wonder why. Your family is doing well, there is no war, and you have steady work. Perhaps you have other things to be grateful for but still struggle.

You might be going through a different form of trauma or stress. Secondary traumatic stress, or indirect trauma, can result from persistent trauma.

Don’t be hard on yourself. In any situation, it’s acceptable to struggle, even if the circumstances have changed for the better.