How do I stop feeling like I'm in danger when I'm actually safe?

Living in a constant state of hypervigilance, where your body feels like it's in danger even when you're objectively safe, is exhausting and disorienting. This often happens after traumatic experiences that have left your nervous system stuck in survival mode. Your brain's alarm system becomes hypersensitive, scanning for threats that may not actually exist in your current environment. This hypervigilance served an important purpose during the traumatic experience—it helped keep you alive and alert to real danger. But when this system doesn't turn off after the threat has passed, it can make normal life feel constantly threatening. You might find yourself checking locks multiple times, feeling anxious in crowds, or having trouble relaxing even in familiar, safe spaces. psychological healing from this involves gradually teaching your nervous system that the danger has passed and that it's safe to relax. This process takes time and often benefits from professional support. Techniques like anxious feelings/what-is-grounding-and-how-to-use-it" class="internal-link">sensory grounding exercises, breathing practices, and somatic therapies can help regulate your nervous system. It's also important to be patient with yourself—your body learned to be hypervigilant for good reasons, and it will take time to unlearn this response. Creating predictable routines, surrounding yourself with supportive people, and practicing self-compassion can all support your healing process.